They disappeared into the fabric of his tweed coat, as if they had never touched the earth.

When Alexis caught Leonel's gaze, she searched his eyes.

His expression was unreadable, yet he composed himself well. The driver stepped out, opened the door, and after a moment's hesitation, Leonel exited the car and took a few steps forward to meet Alexis.

She held his gaze for a few seconds longer before turning to address the young man beside her.

The young man moved to adjust a camera set up nearby.

As Alexis approached Leonel, the distance between them felt monumental, as though he had been waiting a lifetime.

Over recent months, they had grown familiar yet distant, always polite and measured. Leaning against the car, Leonel pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and inhaled deeply before asking softly, “Your new boyfriend?"

Alexis turned her head to the man.

The young man, previously engrossed with the camera, glanced over and offered a shy smile.

He somehow bore a resemblance to Calvin.

Both Alexis and Leonel were taken aback. After a pause, Leonel turned and asked quietly, “Do you still think of Calvin?"

Alexis didn't hesitate. With a gentle smile, she replied, "Sometimes. He was with me for years, and his passing was so sudden. I visited the cemetery recently; his gravestone was neatly trimmed, surrounded by his favorite flowers. Leonel, have you been there?"

Leonel didn't deny it.

Holding the cigarette between his slender fingers, he took a slow drag and smiled. "I had some free time, so I visited his grave. Thought some flowers would be nice."

Alexis remained silent.

They stood together in the falling snow, feeling a quiet calm within them.

Eventually, Leonel gestured towards the distance and asked, "You haven't told me yet. Is he your new boyfriend? If he is, you should bring him home. Your parents are concerned about your relationship."

Alexis looked down and scuffed a dried blade of grass with her black high-heeled boot.

After a moment, she looked up and asked, “What about you? Have you found someone suitable?"

Leonel met her gaze silently, not noticing his cigarette had burned down to the filter until the heat touched his fingertips. He flicked it away with a faint smile and replied, "No."