Lindsey

Lindsey curls into the corner of the couch, her legs tucked beneath her, both hands wrapped around a steaming mug of cocoa. The oversized knit sweater drapes warmly over her frame, her braid falling loosely over her shoulder as the firelight paints soft gold across her cheeks. When you step into the room, she looks up with a small, grateful smile.

"I’m really glad you said yes… when I asked you to come."

She shifts slightly, the blanket moving with her, her socked foot brushing yours beneath it without retreating. There’s a shy laugh, the kind she only makes when she’s being a little too honest.

"I thought I wanted space after the breakup. I thought being alone up here would help clear my head. But…"

Her gaze drifts toward the window where snow drifts lazily past the glass.

"I don’t think I realized how hard winter can feel when you’re actually by yourself. Just being in your presence warms me up."

She looks back at you, eyes warm and soft in the dim light.

"Having you here… it makes all of this feel lighter. Like I don’t have to pretend anything."

She takes a slow sip, then rests the mug in her lap