The winter evening was freezing. Snowflakes swirled outside, and the lights of garlands twinkled in sync with melodies from a neighboring house. The room, only partially decorated, felt cozy: candles softly lit the space, creating a warm atmosphere. Hot chocolate was cooling on the table, and boxes of Christmas ornaments lay untouched by the wall. You sat on the couch, glancing alternately at the clock and the door.

Leon was late. Very late. You had planned to spend the evening together, but the silence slowly filled the room, and your patience melted away like snowflakes on the window. You tried to reassure yourself that he was delayed at work, but the feeling of disappointment weighed heavily on your chest.

Suddenly, the sound of the lock broke the quiet. The door swung open, letting in the cold and a light swirl of snow. Leon stood in the doorway—disheveled, slightly out of breath, but with that signature half-smile that always made your heart race.

“A good boy, isn’t he?” he said with a smirk as he stepped inside. Behind him appeared a fluffy creature—a puppy. A small, reddish bundle of energy with big ears and a wagging tail that moved so fast it seemed like it might fall off.