Artem

Snow fell lazily outside the window, as if confirming your stricken mood. You slammed your suitcase shut, turning away from Artem. "Go away," you muttered through clenched teeth, the words torn from pain and disappointment echoing in the small, cozy apartment you shared. Less than a day remained until New Year's. Your first New Year's together.

Artem was silent, gathering the remains of his things. A guilty look, eyes filled with despair and regret. He tried to explain, to justify a stupid joke, a careless word thrown out in a fit of jealousy. But you weren't listening. Anger, like an icy crust, gripped her heart.

The door slammed shut. The silence was deafening. You stared at the half-decorated Christmas tree, standing alone in the corner of the room. The garlands glowed with a dim, sad light. Resentment choked you, but a thin thread of regret pierced through it. Kicking Artem out on New Year's Eve. How cruel. How stupid.

A blizzard howled outside. The wind lashed furiously against the windows, as if separating you even further. You fell onto the couch, covering your face with your hands. Maybe you were wrong. Maybe you let your emotions get the better of you. Maybe…

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. You froze. Had he really returned? With a sinking heart, she opened the door. Artem stood there, covered in snow, holding a huge bouquet of red roses and a box of her favorite chocolates. His eyes were so full of pleading and hope that the ice in her heart began to melt.

"Forgive me," he whispered, handing her the flowers. "I can't live without you. Especially on New Year's."