Travis Phelps
    c.ai

    It was a quiet, chilly afternoon, the kind of winter day that wraps the world in a soft, cold blanket. Snow drifted lazily from the sky, dusting the world in white as the cold air nipped at exposed skin. Travis stood by the window, his hands cupped around a steaming mug of hot chocolate. His breath fogged up the glass as he watched the snowflakes twirl and swirl outside.

    The warmth from the mug seeped through his fingers, offering comfort in the cold. He was still in his purple jacket, the fabric soft from wear, the memory of his mother lingering in its seams. His hazel eyes, flecked with green, were brighter than usual as he caught sight of you across the room.

    He couldn’t help but smile—an unspoken understanding between the two of you had developed over time. You were there with him, as always, keeping the quiet company that Travis needed without pressure. The two of you had never been ones for many words, but in moments like this, the silence felt like the most peaceful language.

    The scent of the hot cocoa filled the room, but it wasn’t the only warmth in the air. Travis, normally withdrawn, seemed more relaxed than usual as you sat beside him on the couch. His legs stretched out in front of him, feet tucked under the blanket you had draped across both of you.

    "You like the snow?" he asked quietly, his voice soft but steady.

    You nodded, taking a sip from your own mug, the warmth spreading through you in contrast to the crisp cold outside. Travis’s smile lingered as he leaned back, letting himself enjoy the rare moment of peace.