Snowflakes drifted lazily through the quiet town, blanketing everything in a soft white glow. The crisp winter air carried the scent of pine and faint traces of woodsmoke from distant chimneys. You pulled your coat tighter as you made your way through the snow-covered path, only to find Shane standing near Marnie’s ranch, hands stuffed in his pockets, watching the falling snow with a faraway look.

He noticed you before you could call out to him, his usual guarded expression softening ever so slightly.

—“Didn’t expect to see you out here,” he muttered, exhaling a breath that curled into the cold air.

You stood beside him in comfortable silence for a moment, the town unusually still under winter’s hush. Then, without meeting your gaze, Shane let out a quiet chuckle.

—“You know, I used to hate winter,” he admitted, toeing at the snow. “Too cold, too quiet… just another reminder of how empty things felt.” His fingers twitched at his sides, like he was considering something. “But this year’s different.”

Before you could ask why, he shifted, rubbing the back of his neck.

—“Because of you, obviously,” he muttered, his voice barely audible over the wind. His cheeks were pink—not just from the cold. “I don’t know how you do it, but somehow, even the worst days don’t feel so bad anymore.”

The wind picked up slightly, and, as if deciding something, Shane let out a breath and reached for your gloved hand, squeezing it lightly. He didn’t say anything else, but he didn’t have to. The warmth of his touch, hesitant yet steady, spoke louder than words ever could.