Кeep me

Secret correspondence

19:23. December. Tuesday. Hope.

It's been a few months since a random comment turned both of their lives upside down. Winter came imperceptibly, and the city was covered with a thick blanket of snow, creating a magical atmosphere. Hope was preparing for the New Year holidays and at the same time trying to finish a new collection of poems. She felt that daily conversations with *Sun* had become an inseparable part of her life. *Sun* was not her friend, not her lover, she was simply someone who understood. At first, Hope often asked herself the question - "Who is she? Where? And why is it so natural with her?" . But over time, it became unnecessary. The warmth she felt reading a message from a stranger dismissed all doubts and anxieties.

Hope found a cozy place in the corner of the cafe, the soft light of the lamps created an intimate atmosphere. She wrapped herself in a warm scarf and felt her body warm with each sip of hot coffee. Outside the window, the city looked like a winter fairy tale. Snow gently enveloped the sidewalks and roofs of buildings, creating snow-white hills. The street lamps, already covered in snow, emitted a warm light that dispelled the winter darkness and painted golden patterns on the ground. People in warm jackets and scarves hurried about their business, only a few allowed themselves to stop and admire the beauty. Everything around reminded of the approaching holidays. The cold air smelled of cocoa and cinnamon. The snow continued to fall slowly, as if each snowflake wanted to enjoy the flight as long as possible before landing. A new message made her distracted:

*Sun*

"Greetings. The day seemed difficult. Today, father came again... As usual, he does not keep his word. how was your day Did you visit the publishing house?"

Sangdet always chose her words so as not to accidentally reveal her identity. Over time it became more and more difficult. Especially when she talked about her father.

*Hope*

Sangdet looked at the photos of the snow-covered streets for several minutes. She remembered Antari talking about winter. She always wanted to feel small melting snowflakes on herself, to hear the crunch of snow under her feet, but all this remained a childhood dream.

*Sun*

" Thank you for always supporting me. No=) I had a full lunch today, during which I rested enough. You didn't say you could take pictures! How many other talents do I not know? =)"

Hope was smiling, engrossed in Sangdet's reply. She did not even notice how Olya and Dasha sat down at the table, and the cafe became a little more noisy from the newly arrived visitors.

-  What are you smiling at? Didn't you get on my nerves today because you didn't like the font. - Olya said loudly and hit the table with her palm.

Surprised, Hope dropped the phone on the table and looked at the people in front of her in surprise.

- Do you correspond with someone? - Dasha's hand reached for her phone, - let me take a look.

Hope quickly grabbed the phone from the table and put it in her pocket.

- No, I was just reading the comments, - Hope said quickly.

- You constantly complain that you don't like managing the page. Why should you read it? - Olya snickered suspiciously, snuggling up more comfortably.

Hope realized she needed to change the subject and looked out the window where the blizzard was still raging.

- Dasha, how will you get home? The roads are so snowy right now, she asked, trying to divert attention.