Northern City of Leal
Leal was just like Evelyn had described in her letters, every word carrying the colors of the city, and just as Dylan had narrated those letters aloud to Lena, softening them with his warm tone. All of that came alive in Lena's mind now as she walked through the streets of Leal, her hand locked in Evelyn's. The city opened itself before her, all dressed in winter's embrace. White rooftops, faint mist curling at the corners of alleys, the sweet fragrance of roasted chestnuts carried on the air, and lanterns glowing like scattered stars even before the sun had fully set.
She was all covered up in her woolen scarf and coat, but warmth wasn't missing—her heart was brimming with it.
Before stepping out into this winter wonderland, they had prepared lunch for Dylan. Lena had insisted, chopping vegetables with a rhythm that made Evelyn laugh.
"You'll see, he'll come home and be surprised. And if he arrives early, he will find the note I left."
