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.

looked up, her gaze

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

into Seraphina’s

had come to make a promise, as if she

Ecstatic, in a

okay?” Leandro sought

she managed a soft

descend the stairs, get into his car,

lay in bed, sleep

back by dawn, so she waited.

sent three messages, urging her to get moving. They had planned

had broken

despised her own weakness, knowing she’d soon be longing

powerless, Seraphina got up, washed her tear-stained face,

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

to resist glancing towards the

lip,

tears she had been holding back fell freely. Her cheeks stung in the cold, crisp air as if they might crack. Gritting her teeth, she wiped her tears

old neighborhood. Everyone had

so she had to walk two blocks to the

along, until,

a rush, Seraphina nearly toppled over but was caught in

raced until she found

looked up to see him, all she saw was

tears did Leandro’s face

him, truly

of sleep, his nose

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

failed her, she was

fully bright yet, tree-lined streets casting

cars, no people, just the two of them in

leaned in

were cold, but the kiss sent warmth

was a long while before she spoke in a hushed

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

The car broke down on the road,