The next morning brought a crisp stillness to the world, the kind of silence that came with fresh snowfall. Lena stood by her bedroom window, watching as the golden light of dawn turned the white blanket into a sparkling canvas. Her breath fogged the glass as she pressed her forehead against it, trying to gather the courage for what lay ahead.
Ryker.
She had promised to talk to him today, and now there was no turning back.
Lena pulled on her warmest coat, wrapping a scarf tightly around her neck before heading downstairs. Her mom was in the kitchen, humming along to Christmas carols as she whisked pancake batter.
“Heading out?” her mom asked, glancing up with a smile.
“Yeah, just… meeting a friend,” Lena replied, grabbing her gloves from the counter.
“Stay warm,” her mom called as Le
