Tangled in His Obsession (Seraphina)

For her, the phrase “first snow” was distant and foreign.

Snow was nothing exceptional. It graced the streets of Summitville, painted Sunburst City white, and even cloaked Velvetwood in its silent embrace.

She had never harbored an abundance of love or anticipation for snow, except when she was 17. That year, having fallen for Leandro, she found herself eagerly awaiting each new day.

Yet he was invariably busy, often away from home for long stretches, which only made her yearn all the more.

Finally, on New Year’s Eve, she caught a fleeting glimpse of him, a hurried encounter before she scurried off to her room to shower.

After her shower, hair dried and clothes changed, she emerged only to see him, similarly freshened up, ready to step out.

He was wearing a coat. Seraphina’s heart sank, her eyes betraying a hint of disappointment. “You… you’re going out again?”

“Yep.” Leandro glanced at her, stepping closer, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Can’t stand to be without me?”

Turning her face away, Seraphina felt the sting of unshed tears.

She hadn’t seen him in days, and just when they had reconnected, he was leaving again.

The hurt welled up inside her, her eyes reddening with the effort to hold back tears.

She truly didn’t want him to go, the disappointment was genuine, but the words wouldn’t come.

Leandro chuckled at her pained expression, but his voice softened. “Had a prior commitment, I’ll be quick. Will you wait up for me?”

She looked away, murmuring after a pause, “You won’t come back…”

She knew his habits too well; a late-night departure meant he wouldn’t return.

At best, he’d be gone for the day. More often, he’d vanish for days on end.

She was accustomed to it, shouldn’t have expected any different.

Without another word, Seraphina retreated to her room.

She had hurried downstairs to see him, but with him leaving, there was no point anymore.

Back at her desk, she slumped forward, the sorrow deepening.

Then, a knock at her door. Her heart skipped, guessing who it might be, yet hardly daring to believe.

Leandro stepped inside, she looked up,

promises, I’ll have to be a man of my word this time.” Leandro leaned against the doorframe, checking his watch. Frowning slightly, he peered out the window, then said, “Before dawn. I’ll be back

into Seraphina’s

make a promise,

a way she had never

okay?” Leandro sought her confirmation

time, she managed a

didn’t leave her room, just perched by the window, watching Leandro descend the stairs, get into his car, and drive

lay in bed, sleep

dawn, so she waited. From

to get moving. They had planned to hit the amusement park together, but Seraphina

had broken

own weakness, knowing she’d soon be longing for him

got up, washed her tear-stained

just breaking, the city still quiet, the Reynolds household no

out of the main building, unable to resist glancing towards the parking

her lip, she

in the cold,

in a quiet, old neighborhood. Everyone had cars, and no one bothered

to walk two

blurred her vision as she trudged along, until,

toppled over but was

until she found herself in a warm, familiar

her emotions overwhelmed her, and when she looked up to see him, all she saw was

her tears

was him,

from lack of sleep, his nose slightly pink, as if frosted by

playful tease in his voice. “I’m a little late and you’re ready to run away from

voice failed her, she was

bright yet, tree-lined streets casting deeper

cars, no people, just the two of them in

in and kissed

cold, but the kiss sent

in a hushed voice, “You said you’d be back before

“I thought I’d make it, but I didn’t expect the car

a beat as she looked up at him. The car broke down on