Her yellow dress complemented the red sofa perfectly. She had her legs crossed and was looking out the window. Her eyes were fixed on the snowy mountains far away, as if she could read a message written just for her across the sky.

She took another sip of her tea and turned her head towards me. It felt like she was trying to judge my expression. I looked deeply into her eyes without giving anything away. Finally, she said, “So, what will it be?” I said innocently, “What do you mean?” with the same calm expression. She smiled, “What will it take to stop pretending and be real with me?” Her smile always had an intoxicating effect on me, making me feel a little light-headed.

“I am not sure I quite understand. I haven’t lied to you about anything.” “But you haven’t been truthful either.” I looked outside the window, trying to sort out my feelings and gathering my courage. “You are right. Guess I haven’t been perfectly honest. It’s not easy being vulnerable, especially when it has always resulted in a painful experience.”

Her face softened, but she didn’t say anything expecting me to go on. I took another sip and shuffled in my chair. My gaze shifted toward her sleek hands, hugging the tea cup. I softly wrapped my hands around hers. She hesitated momentarily, but relaxed quickly and smiled again. “This is the truth. I never stopped loving you. From the moment we first met, I have thought about you every minute of everyday. I have always felt that you are a part of me that I lost a long time ago. It won’t be wrong to say you complete me and make me want to be a better person.”

She scrutinised me for a full minute without saying anything. It felt like time had stopped. And then she laughed her jingle bells laugh, which I had falled in love with all those years ago..