Elena rose from the bench, her hands trembling as she clutched her mug of cocoa. The glow of the holiday lights seemed to dim, as though reflecting the heaviness in her heart. Adam remained seated, staring at her with a mixture of confusion and hurt.
“Elena, wait,” he called, his voice laced with desperation. “Don’t walk away. Please.”
She paused but didn’t turn to face him. “I’m sorry, Adam. You deserve someone who can give you their whole heart, someone who isn’t carrying the kind of baggage I am.” Her voice cracked, betraying the tears she fought to keep at bay. “I just... can’t.”
Before Adam could respond, Elena hurried into the house, leaving him alone in the cold. Snowflakes began to fall again, their gentle descent a stark contrast to the storm brewing in his chest.
Inside the w
