Winter's Farewell

​🇨​​🇭​​🇦​​🇵​​🇹​​🇪​​🇷 𝟏𝟎₁₀

On Saturday morning, the sky awoke clear, but the air was cold, with that typical autumn freshness that makes everything seem a little more alive. Claire woke up to the first rays of sun filtering through the curtains in her room, illuminating the dust motes floating in the air. She was cozy in her bed, wrapped in the warmth of the blankets, and for a moment, she didn't want to get up. 

With a sigh, Claire got up and headed to the kitchen, turning on the coffee maker while looking out the window. Leaves were slowly falling from the trees, decorating the streets with golden and red tones. It was a peaceful scene, perfect for a day of meeting with her best friend. As she prepared her coffee, her mind began to wander, recalling the afternoons they had spent together, from endless chats to silly jokes that only they understood.

"Today will be a good day," she murmured to herself, smiling as she poured milk into her cup.

They had agreed to meet at their usual café, but Claire had a little surprise prepared for Leevi. The day before, she had spent hours in the kitchen baking his favorite blueberry muffins. She knew how much he liked them, and although he wouldn't say it out loud, she loved to see his expression when he took the first bite. For Leevi, the little details mattered more than he usually admitted, and Claire knew that even in small things like this, their friendship was built on those silent gestures of affection.

She quickly dressed, opting for a thick scarf and her favorite wool coat, knowing that the cool autumn air could be deceptive. With the bag of muffins in hand, she left her apartment and walked toward the café. The wind played with her hair, slightly tousling it, but she didn't mind. The walk was pleasant, the fresh air cleared her mind, and the autumn colors around her made everything seem brighter. Each step brought her closer to that meeting, which, although routine, always filled her with satisfaction.

When she arrived at the café, she spotted him immediately. Leevi was sitting at the back table, his gray jacket draped over the back of his chair and an open book in front of him. Claire smiled at the sight of him, feeling that familiar warmth wash over her whenever she saw him. They didn't need grand gestures to show they cared; the simple presence of the other was enough to make them feel that everything was okay.

Leevi looked up as soon as she entered, and his expression softened. It was a small smile, almost imperceptible, but Claire recognized it. She knew that was Leevi's way of telling her he was happy to see her without having to say it out loud.

"You're right on time," Leevi said, closing his book and looking at her with that calmness that characterized him.

"Rare for you to arrive before me," Claire joked as she sat down across from him and placed the bag of muffins on the table with a mysterious gesture.

Leevi looked at her curiously, raising an eyebrow.

"What do you have there?" he asked, though he already had an idea.

"It's a surprise," Claire replied, feigning mystery as she opened the bag and pulled out the muffins wrapped in wax paper. "But only if you promise not to keep teasing me about my romantic movies."

Leevi let out a soft laugh, that quiet laugh Claire always found contagious.

"I can't promise that," he said, a playful glint in his eyes. "But I'll try to hold back."

Claire shook her head with a smile and slid the muffins toward him.

"Blueberry muffins. The best you're going to try," she said confidently, crossing her arms and waiting for his reaction.

Leevi picked up one of the muffins with exaggerated reverence, as if it were an invaluable treasure, which made Claire roll her eyes. He took a big bite, and his expression of satisfaction was instant. It was the kind of dramatic gesture Leevi usually made just for her, knowing it would elicit a laugh.