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

accusing me of breaking 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

busy life, he had come to make a promise, as if she were the

happy? Ecstatic, in a way she had never felt

okay?” Leandro sought

she managed a

descend the stairs, get into his

night, Seraphina lay in bed, sleep eluding

the window, straining for any sign of him. He said he’d be back by dawn, so she waited. From two to three, from four to five, from

o’clock, Sandra had already sent three messages, urging her to get moving. They had planned to hit the amusement park together, but Seraphina

broken

knowing she’d soon be longing for him

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

city still quiet, the

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

lip, she

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 and continued

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

she didn’t, so she had to walk two blocks to the main

her vision as she trudged along, until, at

over but was caught

found herself in a warm, familiar

her emotions overwhelmed her, and when she looked up

tears did Leandro’s

was him,

perhaps from lack of sleep, his nose slightly

smiled at her, a playful tease in his voice. “I’m a little late

failed her, she was unable to answer

wasn’t fully bright yet, tree-lined

cars, no people, just the two of

Leandro leaned in and kissed

lips were cold, but the kiss sent warmth flooding

a long while before she spoke in a hushed

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

skipped a beat as she looked up at him. The car broke down on the road, so