She had done this unconsciously, a gesture ingrained from her younger days.

On every snowy night, even after he had left Duefron for abroad, she had written his name.

Alexis lingered by the window for a long while, until she detected unusual footsteps in the corridor.

Could it be... Leonel?

Startled, Alexis quickly returned to her bed, feigning sleep. Within moments, there was activity in the adjacent parlor-someone had entered.

Soon after, he walked into the bedroom. Alexis cracked her eyes open slightly.

She saw Leonel, carrying something in his hand.

Huh, playing Santa Claus, are we? She thought.

Making no movement or sound, Alexis waited patiently for Leonel's next move. Soon, he sat at the edge of the bed, close enough that he could touch her.

And he did. His warm hand gently brushed her cheek, a fleeting caress.

He then gazed at her silently in the dark. The moment lingered until Alexis thought he might stay there until dawn. But suddenly, Leonel spoke up.

His voice was slightly hoarse but clear as he whispered, "Happy Christmas, Alexis!"

He placed the Christmas gift he had brought on the bedside table and then left.

After Leonel exited, Alexis slowly opened her eyes.

In the dim light, she noticed his slight limp as he walked out with difficulty, trying his best to keep quiet- he didn't want to wake her.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

She watched him leave the room and heard the door close softly behind him.

Sitting up in the dark, Alexis reached for the gift.

It was a red apple.

Bringing it to her nose, she inhaled its fresh fruity scent.