The day passes in a blur.

M. has already left before you. M. hasn't said much since you told them you couldn't get drinks.

"I'm kind of seeing someone," you had said. You still see C.'s face when you go to bed.

The snow is sticking. It's the first snowfall of the year. You're walking home from work and feeling lonely but hopeful. The fairy lights are out, all over the city. It's already dark.

You know that things are hard now, but that they'll get better soon.

You stop at a bar by your apartment and get a drink alone. They're playing "Drive" by The Cars over the speakers. Everyone else is here on a date or with friends. It's okay, you think. It's fine to be alone.

You open to the first chapter of Speedboat as your drink arrives. A hot toddy. It's perfect for the weather. You sip slowly, enjoying the warmth.

The snow is coming down now, in thicker clumps. Flurries. Looking out the window, you see people hurrying back home. Some have Christmas trees. You take out your phone to set a reminder to pick one out with your roommates this weekend and see that you already have a notification.

It's a text from C.

"Hi stranger, it's been awhile. Come over."