Winter's Farewell

​🇨​​🇭​​🇦​​🇵​​🇹​​🇪​​🇷 𝟏𝟏₁₁

The first snowfall of the year arrived early that winter, and Claire woke up to the surprise of seeing the streets covered in a thin layer of snow, the bright white making everything feel new and fresh. The city seemed quieter, and the cold air coming through the window gave her a renewed sense of energy. She was excited; Leevi had suggested going out that day, something unusual for him, especially when the weather wasn't favorable. She knew that when he invited her directly, there was always an intention behind it, and that made her feel special.

She dressed in several layers, wrapping herself in a thick sweater and a wool scarf before stepping out into the cold street. The ground crunched beneath her boots, and her breath formed small clouds of vapor as she walked toward the park where they had agreed to meet. She knew that the snow was one of those things that could pull Leevi out of his usual routine, given that he typically preferred quiet, warm days indoors.

When she arrived at the park, she saw Leevi waiting by a bench, his tall figure standing out against the snowy landscape. He was wearing his dark coat, with a gray scarf around his neck, and his hands tucked into his pockets. When he saw her, a faint smile appeared on his face, and Claire felt that familiar warmth that always accompanied their meetings.

"I thought you hated the cold," Claire said as she approached, her cheerful voice contrasting with the silence of the snow-covered park.

Leevi shrugged, still smiling.

"I do, but I thought I'd make an exception. Besides, you enjoy it."

Claire gave him a gentle tap on the arm, and they both laughed. It was as if the snow and cold were just an excuse to spend time together, and Claire couldn't help but feel grateful for those small gestures Leevi made, even though he rarely admitted them.

They walked through the park, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. Their steps left footprints in the snow, and sometimes they stopped to look at the bare trees covered with a fine white layer. The branches, almost like shadows against the gray sky, seemed to accentuate the quietness around them, making their words the only thing breaking that stillness.

"Remember that time we tried to make a snowman, and it ended up being just a giant ball?" Leevi asked suddenly, with a playful tone.

Claire burst into laughter, vividly remembering that winter years ago. They had tried to build a snowman, but their skills were so lacking that all they managed to create was a formless snow lump, which they'd dubbed "the great disaster."

"It was terrible," Claire said through laughter. "I think we scared every kid who passed by."

Leevi nodded, holding back a laugh, and bent down to scoop up some snow in his hands.

"Maybe we can redeem ourselves today," he suggested, tossing a handful of snow that scattered into powder before it reached her.

"Don't you dare!" Claire shouted, dodging the snow and stepping back as Leevi looked at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

What followed was pure snow chaos. Leevi managed to toss small snowballs at her while Claire tried to dodge and counter, both laughing like children. The cold snow fell onto their faces, but the warmth of laughter made them forget about it completely. Claire couldn't remember the last time she had laughed so much, feeling utterly free and carefree.

After a few minutes of "battle," they both collapsed onto a bench, exhausted but happy, with their cheeks flushed from the cold and laughter. Their breaths were visible in the air, and for a moment, they sat in silence, taking in the scenery around them. The trees, the snow-covered paths, the families strolling in the distance—all looked clearer, sharper, as if the world had paused just for them.

"We should do this more often," Claire said, still catching her breath.

Leevi looked at her, and though he said nothing, his gaze held an expression of agreement, a silent promise that they would always be there for each other, despite everything. It was one of those looks only Claire could decipher, a silent language they had developed over the years.

"Let's walk a little more," he suggested, standing up and holding out a hand to her.

Claire took it without hesitation, and they continued their stroll through the park, enjoying the simple act of being together, of sharing a day free from worries. There was something magical about those moments, the way their steps synchronized and their voices mingled with the soft crunch of snow underfoot.

After a while, they decided to go to a nearby café to warm up. The place was cozy, with wooden walls and dim lights creating a warm atmosphere in contrast to the cold outside. They sat by the window, watching as the snowflakes continued to fall gently while the heat from their coffee cups brought feeling back to their hands.

Claire took out her phone to snap a picture of the snow, and Leevi, without warning, made a funny face behind her, appearing in the camera with a silly expression that made her burst out laughing.

"I can't look away for a second, can I?" Claire joked, shaking her head.

Leevi smiled, that small but genuine smile he reserved for moments when he truly felt at ease.

"You know you can't," he replied, taking a sip of his coffee as he looked at her with that familiar sparkle in his eyes that always made Claire feel special.

Their conversation flowed with the usual ease, and though they talked about trivial things, there was a warmth in the air that made every word feel significant. Leevi told her about the latest books he'd read, while Claire shared stories about the eccentric customers who frequented the bookstore. Between laughs and anecdotes, time seemed to stand still, and Claire felt grateful to share such simple but meaningful moments.

"You know, sometimes I think we should do this more often," Leevi said suddenly, his tone serious but calm.

Claire looked at him, somewhat surprised.

"What do you mean?"

Leevi shrugged, looking at his coffee cup as if searching for the right words.

"Spending time together, like now. I feel like, sometimes, we let the little things distract us from what really matters."

Claire nodded, feeling a lump in her throat. She knew Leevi was someone who valued solitude, but there was also a special place in his life reserved just for her. And even if he didn't always express it, moments like this reminded her how much she meant to him.

"You're right," she finally said, her voice soft but firm. "I'm glad we're here."

Leevi looked at her for a moment before nodding, and in that gesture, there was a silent promise, an unspoken agreement that they would always have these moments, no matter how many times life and time tried to pull them apart.

As they left the café, the cold wrapped around them once more, and they walked through the snowy streets together, their footsteps leaving trails that would soon be covered by the falling snow. Despite the cold, Claire felt a warmth within, knowing that the friendship she shared with Leevi was something unique, something that few could understand but that was essential for them.

As they said goodbye at their usual corner, Leevi gave her a small tap on the arm, as he often did to soften a goodbye.

"Thanks for today," he said, with that small, sincere smile that Claire appreciated so much.

"No, thank you," she replied, knowing that, in those simple gestures, there was a connection that went beyond words.

Claire watched him as he walked away, his figure disappearing into the snow and night. She knew they would see each other again soon, that these moments would keep happening. But deep down, a small voice whispered that she should treasure each one, because maybe, someday, things would change.