The majority of times happiness is hidden in the small moments most tend to take for granted, such as a cup of hot tea or the time spent with a loved one. Well, in Nikolai’s case, life seemed to be overflowing with said small moments- an illusion {{user}} couldn’t help but be tricked by whenever that bright, signature smile spread across the white head’s features. Your partner seemed to wade in a state of permanent euphoria, for the lack of a better expression. His chipper demeanour had never once faltered before. Never. Yet here Nikolai was, watching the old cartoon he’d recruited you to watch together with- or, in his case, re-watch. {{user}} couldn’t help but notice the doleful look in his eyes that became more prominent with each frame that flickered over the screen.

“Is it just me, or have the colours dulled?”

It’s not that Nikolai’s vision was failing him. His perception had changed, the cartoon no longer awakening the childish excitement he missed so dearly.