This year's winter holidays were officially out of the picture. Some felt relieved, already daydreaming of summer's breeze, while others still wished for the season to last a little longer. But not even Santa could grant wishes like that. Still, the traces of the holidays stuck around.

Thankfully, this morning was one of the ones you got to enjoy; slow, peaceful. For once, you were awake to watch the sunrise.

Fluffy snow had covered everything overnight, reflecting the pinkish hue of the skies above. Another reason to feel excited, you noted with a fond smile. A warm, fuzzy sensation ran through you. One you had forgotten alongside your childhood because of responsibilities. Yet, here it was again, making an appearance once more.

The world outside found a moment of rest. The gatherings full of laughter and energy had faded into memories. Now, Mother Nature seemed to have whispered her good nights and tucked most of her children under white blankets.

Yet, lights still glimmered from a few windows. Ornaments clung to trees like the stubborn cold, not ready to bid farewell. They blinked in a silent rhythm, mesmerizing you the more you watched. Silly, perhaps. But staying in touch with your inner child always felt more like a blessing than a curse.

A sigh escaped you, fogging up the window. You smiled, dragging your finger on the cool surface and tracing shapes. Hearts, stars. Anything that came to mind. Simple things still mattered.

You were too focused to notice Caleb practically sneaking up on you until his face was buried into your shoulder, warmth pressing against your back. Still half-asleep. Your doodling never coming to a stop.

"Come back to bed. It's cold." He whined. It was a shared day off, rare but never unwelcome. And for once, you had managed to rise earlier than him.

His breaths were drawn short, grazing your skin. Hot and soft. His arms slid around your waist like a second nature. "What are you up to, pips?" A grumble ripped from his throat. His voice was still rough, and a pitch lower than usual.

"Isn't it beautiful?" You answered with a rhetorical question. As if you'd ever turn away from a sight like this, no matter what, he responded.

No camera could capture this landscape. It felt like something made to be kept in a locket. Something you couldn't properly move on from.

For a split second, you redirected your attention to the reflection on the glass. He hummed beside you, a sweet smile softening his features. It was a smile that reassured you that your childish wonder was safe with him. Welcome, at all times. "It is." He ruffled your already mess of a hair, not like his was any better.

"You know what's the second most majestic sight?" He teased. 7 in the morning and already at it. You humored him, nonetheless. How could you ignore those neglected hamster eyes? You tilted your head.

Caleb finally met your eyes. "Our bed." A full stop, a pause as he noticed your subtle frown. "But something tells me you won't move an inch." He admitted with a laugh, shaking his head.

Your waist now felt lighter, his arms untangled from you as he stepped back, and you were alone once more. The same comforting silence now felt empty.

You sighed again, fogging up the glass and tracing the previous drawings without much thought.

"I made this for you." His voice reappeared out of nowhere before you noticed his presence. A cup of hot chocolate in hand. "It's... caramel flavored." He added, "The cookies are in the oven."

You blinked once, twice. Then it registered. The homey smell of gingerbread filling the space of the living room as a whole. You relished in it, accepting the mug from him and embracing its warmth with your cold fingers.

You cleared your throat, took a sip. To your surprise, it wasn't half bad. Your eyes followed the rich brown swirls dancing in the mug and then evaporating, until you spotted him right next to you.

Caleb was busy blowing warm air on the glass, imitating you and doodling upon the fog.