He scrolled through his phone, hesitating over a number but ultimately refraining from calling.

Rising from his desk, he put on his wool coat and exited the office.

Outside, snow gently blanketed the streets.

The holiday spirit was alive, with couples sharing affectionate moments, a common sight in the festive season.

Edwin was driving aimlessly, considering stopping for a meal, when his phone rang.

It was his parents.

He listened and responded mechanically, his attention drawn to a scene outside.

There was Laura, in a white down jacket and a red woolen hat, playfully engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed indifferent, her face rosy from the cold and excitement, fully immersed in the moment.

Captivated, Edwin watched, barely registering his parents' voices on the phone.

The sound of a car honking behind him pulled him back to reality.

Beep, beep, beep-

He drove off quickly, but soon parked his car in the nearest lot and stepped out for a closer look.

Then he saw Dylan appear next to Laura, easily dispersing the kids.

Laura clung to his arm, laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair and helped her up from the snow.

They soon got into a black Hummer and drove off, passing Edwin.

Laura, in the passenger seat, caught sight of Edwin. She remained silent though, her lips pressed together.

Dylan, noticing Edwin's tall figure too, offered a light cough.

"It's all in the past. Don't dwell on it," he advised.

Laura simply nodded in response.

Edwin watched their car vanish into the distance. He returned to his own car, his shoes and trousers wet from the snow. It didn't matter to him.