Life was indeed a long journey, and with Leonel's youthful energy, there would be countless other moments for intimacy.

More importantly, their love for each other was the true foundation of their relationship. Gently pushing away Leonel's hand, Alexis gazed at him lovingly and said softly, “If we don't leave now, I'll definitely be late for my appointment."

Half an hour later, they arrived at the clinic together.

As was their routine, Leonel waited in the corridor while Alexis attended her therapy session alone. During his wait, a nurse at the front desk exclaimed, “It's snowing!"

Surprised, Leonel stood and walked to the window.

Peering through the glass, he observed the snowflakes gently falling from the gray sky, creating a stark contrast against the vintage brick building across the street.

At the street corner, a busker, long-haired and thinly clad, was playing the violin.

The violin, evidently well-cared for and valuable, seemed out of place in the musician's frugal circumstances.

The melancholic tune he played seemed to speak of longing, suggesting he was missing someone dearly.

Leonel paused by the window, observing the busker. The hurried passersby, perhaps due to the snow, seemed indifferent to the music, moving past without a glance at the melancholic performance.

After a moment's contemplation, Leonel glanced toward the consulting room door and said softly to the nurse, “I need to step out for a moment. If my wife finishes her session before I'm back, please let her know I'll be right across the street."

The nurse appeared puzzled but nodded in agreement.

Choosing the stairs over the elevator, Leonel descended slowly before crossing the street to where the musician played.

The busker, engrossed in his violin, hardly noticed as Leonel approached. Dressed simply yet elegantly in a thin overcoat, Leonel stood out in the wintery scene.

He listened attentively to the music, letting the snowflakes gather on his coat.

After several songs, Leonel opened his wallet and placed all the cash he had-three to four thousand dollars-into the violin case. The musician acknowledged him with a nod, exuding a quiet dignity.

As Leonel walked away, he mused that perhaps the musician wasn't playing for money.

The performance seemed more... about connection or the memory of someone dear.

Across the street, Alexis emerged from a nearby coffee shop.

Wrapped in a thick overcoat and a grey woolen scarf, her hair neatly tied up, she watched Leonel from a distance.