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, her

of breaking promises, I’ll have to be a man of my word this time.” Leandro leaned against the doorframe, checking his

into

make a promise, as if she were the

Ecstatic, in a way she

okay?” Leandro sought her confirmation once

time, she managed a soft

perched by the window, watching Leandro descend the stairs, get into his car, and drive off, her heart surprisingly full

night, Seraphina lay in bed, sleep eluding

vigil by the window, straining for any sign of him. He said he’d be back by dawn,

o’clock, Sandra had already sent three messages, urging her to get moving. They had

broken his word,

weakness, knowing she’d soon be longing for him

up, washed her

breaking, the city still

glancing towards the parking lot –

her lip, she

freely. Her cheeks stung in the cold, crisp air as

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

she had to walk two blocks to the main road to

along, until, at the corner,

over

raced until she found herself in a

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

when he wiped away her tears did

was him,

were red, perhaps from lack of sleep, his nose slightly pink, as if

Leandro smiled at her, a playful tease in his voice. “I’m a little late and you’re ready to

her, she

yet, tree-lined streets casting

cars, no people, just the two

Leandro leaned in and

cold, but the kiss sent warmth flooding through

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

it, but I didn’t expect the car would break down

The car broke down on the road,