After the New Year's Eve dinner, Elise Don didn't stay at William Don's house overnight.
She lied that she still had to prepare some materials for a gala and left first.
Elise Don's house was in the same neighborhood as William Don's, just a five-minute walk away. After going downstairs, Elise Don let out a long breath, watching the curling white smoke, but instead of hurrying back.
Elise Don wandered slowly around the brightly lit small garden. While others were enjoying family reunions, she seemed accustomed to not envying it.
After walking for a while in her down jacket, the cold wind reddened her face. The winter in Northern City was like that, less snow, dry and cold.
Elise Don bought a cup of coffee at a convenience store in the neighborhood, standing by the small table by the window, gently rubbing her hands.
The clerk on duty was watching the evening gala on their phone, and suddenly, all sorts of laughter filled the quiet space.
It had a sense of peace over the years.
