Chapter 1: White Christmas When she still believed in fairy tales decades ago, she dreamt of a White Christmas wrapped in the arms of her beloved. She would slowly let the chills run through her spine as she watched the snowflakes fall outside while they cuddled and made love. So tonight, even if it was already a few days after Christmas, she considers this her official Christmas Eve with her beloved. She has patiently wa...

Chapter 2: Hunger Their first snowfall together has been magical. To Rose, seeing Steve silently cry with joy in front of her is a fire piercing through this cold night. It is her first winter, and she has no words to describe the thrill of seeing its beauty with the man who has shared almost everything with her – except a ring on her finger. “I don’t want to marry,” she always tells herself. But how come she feels like s...

Chapter 3: A Midnight Vow "You don’t want to know what I am thinking.” “I told you I want to know…Where are those kisses landing? Tell me!” “If I tell you, I would steal your time from Sam.” “He is playing by himself. I am just here, seated, looking after him, waiting for your messages.” “I want to sit on your lap, TBH.” “Oh, you have to earn that spot, you know that.” “Sounds like a punishment.” “Don’t test me.” “Mmmm. I...

Chapter 4: Up and Down the Slope The big rustic studio room in Ottawa is filled with the smell of butter, pancakes, soft scrambled eggs with milk, bacon and brewed coffee. Steve hums a tune as he makes two plates. As he sets the table, he calls for his girlfriend, Rose, to wake up and join him for breakfast. She barely moves and remains curled in bed. Steve approaches the bed as Rose opens her eyes. She forces a smile. He...