Winter's Farewell

​🇨​​🇭​​🇦​​🇵​​🇹​​🇪​​🇷 𝟏𝟕₁₇

Saturday dawned with a clear sky, and though the cold remained intense, the sun cast a golden glow over the streets, giving the city a warmer appearance. Claire woke up early, determined to make the most of the day. She had decided to attend the antique book fair Julia had mentioned—a small adventure she thought might be just what she needed to break out of her routine.

She dressed in layers to combat the cold: a thick coat, a handmade scarf, and her favorite leather boots. Grabbing her reusable bag, ready to fill it with literary treasures, she headed toward the city center.

The fair was set up in an open square, with wooden stalls lined in neat rows, each brimming with books from various eras and genres. Claire was immediately drawn to the atmosphere: the scent of old paper mingling with the aroma of hot churros from a nearby cart, the laughter of visitors, and the hum of conversations between the stalls.

As she walked, her fingers brushed along the spines of the books, savoring the texture of the worn covers. There was something magical about old books, as if each one carried a story beyond the words printed on its pages. At one stall, she found a copy of Wuthering Heights with a cracked leather cover and couldn't resist buying it.

While browsing another shelf, a familiar voice broke through her thoughts.

"Claire? Is that you?"

Claire turned to find Emma, the teacher she had met at Blair's gathering. Emma wore a navy blue coat and held a small book in her hands.

"Emma! What a surprise to see you here," Claire replied, smiling.

"I could say the same about you. Are you into old books, too?"

"Who could resist something like this?" Claire said, gesturing to the stalls around them.

They both laughed, and Emma showed her the book she'd found: a collection of illustrated fairy tales from the early 20th century. The conversation flowed easily as they strolled together, exchanging book recommendations and updates about their weeks. Although they had only spoken briefly at Blair's party, Claire found Emma's warmth made everything feel a little lighter.

"We should grab a coffee after this," Emma suggested after a while. "There's a little café just off the square that has the best hot chocolate."

Claire hesitated for a moment but then nodded. It wasn't like her to agree to spontaneous plans, but something about Emma's easygoing nature put her at ease.

The café was cozy, with exposed brick walls and dark wooden tables. They sat by a window overlooking the still-busy fair. Both ordered hot chocolate, which arrived in large mugs topped with a cloud of whipped cream.

"So, you work in a bookstore?" Emma asked, intrigued.

"Yes, and I love it," Claire replied. "Although sometimes I wonder if I should try something else... something different."

"Like what?"

Claire shrugged, staring into her mug as though the answer might be hidden in the swirl of whipped cream.

"I'm not sure. I've always felt like my life is so... contained. Like I'm stuck in a routine."

Emma nodded, her expression understanding.

"I get that. I love teaching, but there are days when I wonder if I could do more with my life."

Claire smiled, feeling a connection in Emma's words. It was strange to share these doubts with someone she'd just met, but Emma had a way of making her feel understood, which was oddly comforting.

After saying goodbye to Emma, Claire returned home with a bag full of books and a heart that felt a little lighter. The day had been simple, but she realized how much she needed those kinds of interactions—pressure-free conversations and moments that pulled her out of her usual bubble.

Back at her apartment, she placed her new books on the shelf and made herself a cup of tea. As she settled onto the couch, her gaze fell on a pile of things she'd left carelessly in a corner: a jacket, a pair of shoes... and a small wooden box she hadn't opened in months.

The box contained moments from her friendship with Leevi: letters, photos, and little trinkets they had collected over the years. Claire hesitated before opening it but eventually gave in to curiosity.

Inside was a photo of the two of them taken during a walk in the park three winters ago. They were both covered in snow, their wide smiles almost unrecognizable compared to how she felt now. There was also a movie ticket from one of the early films they had seen together, something that had meant so much to Leevi.

The weight of the memories suddenly fell on her, like a heavy blanket wrapping her in a mix of warmth and sadness, trapping her between the past and the present. It had been such a good day, filled with laughter and jokes that now felt so distant.

Claire closed the box and set it aside, feeling a knot form in her chest. Even though the day had been enjoyable, the void in her relationship with Leevi remained, a quiet ache reminding her that she still didn't know how to bridge the gap between them.