Snow Fall Between Us

First Encounter

The days after the café felt normal again. Lena went to class, kept to herself, and spent time drawing whenever she could. Nothing unusual happened, but sometimes her mind went back to that evening, to the spilled coffee, to Bryan. She didn’t understand why it stayed with her. It wasn’t important, at least, that’s what she told herself. Still, she remembered the way he spoke, calm, honest, and the way he didn’t argue too much.

One afternoon, Lena went to the library. It was quiet, just how she liked it. She found a seat near the back and sat down. After taking out her sketchbook, she opened to a blank page. For a few seconds, she just stared at it. Then she started drawing. Her hand moved slowly. The noise in her head began to fade.

“Do you always sit alone?” Lena stopped. She looked up. Bryan was standing there.

He looked more relaxed this time. No snow, no rush. Just a simple jacket and that same steady expression.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Library,” he said. “It’s kind of what people do here.”

Lena didn’t react. He glanced at the empty chair across from her.

“Can I sit?”

She thought about it for a moment. Then she nodded once. Bryan sat down quietly. For a while, they said nothing. Lena kept drawing, but she was more aware now. She could feel that she wasn’t alone anymore. Bryan rested his arms lightly on the table. He didn’t interrupt her. After a few minutes, he spoke.

“You draw very carefully.”

Lena didn’t look up.

“I like to take my time. That explains it.”

She paused.

“Explains what?”

“Why it looked important,” he said. Lena’s hand slowed slightly. That was the first time he said something that actually matched how she felt. She didn’t reply, but she didn’t feel annoyed either.

After a short silence, Bryan added, “I’ll stay away from your coffee this time.”

Lena almost smiled.

“Good,” she said quietly.

Time passed without them noticing. The silence between them felt different now. Not awkward, just calm. When Lena finally closed her sketchbook, Bryan looked up.

“You’re leaving?” he asked.

“Yes.”

He nodded. “Okay.”

She stood up, then hesitated.

“Goodbye, Bryan.”

“See you, Lena.”

As Lena walked out of the library, she felt something small shift inside her. It wasn’t strong. Just… different. She wasn’t used to people noticing the things she cared about. But he did.

Back at the table, Bryan sat still for a moment. He looked at the space where Lena had been sitting. Then he leaned back in his chair, thinking. He didn’t expect to see her again. But he was glad he did.