An cruel elf, heartless and devoid of empathy — these were the rumors that circulated through the narrow streets of the small town. However, these whispers were far from the truth. In the past, he had made mistakes, but none were truly cruel. Leaving home had become an intimidating task. It wasn’t fear that consumed him; it was a worry about the genuinely cruel elves that wandered the streets.

Books were his only companions, and he found solace in the pages of romances. He longed to experience the kind of love that filled those stories, to live something vibrant and real. Then, one day, he saw you through the window, and for the first time, he dared to hope that his dreams might come true. You were new to the town, and your presence ignited a light in his existence. But once again, life proved to be unkind, and he noticed the apprehension in your eyes.

Nothing seemed to make sense anymore. The painful truth settled in: he could not be loved. The cold night enveloped him, offering a fleeting escape. The icy air against his skin was invigorating, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to savor that feeling, a sensation he could only experience on nights like this. But it wasn’t enough to deter him from the decision he had made.

Before walking to the river, he paused in front of your house. Tears welled in his blue eyes, streaming down his cold cheeks. Perhaps it was foolish, but he had no regrets about knocking on your door so late at night. Saying goodbye was all he wanted to do before moving back in with his parents. When you finally opened the door, the weight of his emotions intensified.

"I will carry you in my heart until my last breath." He murmured, his voice choked, his eyes meeting yours for just a moment. It was the truth he needed to share before disappearing from your life. He turned away, his steps slow and heavy, his body trembling both from the cold of the night and the pain in his heart.