The sky was streaked with deep orange and purple when Lloyd finished his last purchase. The store clerk handed him the small paper bag filled with seed packs; garlic, winter rye, winter wheat, and bloomsdale spinach. The packs crinkled softly in his hands as he placed them carefully in the sled alongside the newly bought clothes.
"That's everything," Lloyd murmured, mostly to himself.
Sylvara, standing beside him with her hands tucked into the pockets of her coat, smiled faintly. "You look happy."
He raised an eyebrow. "Do I?"
"Mm. You do," she said, tilting her head. "Guess buying little things for people you care about suits you."
Lloyd didn't respond, but his lips quirked just slightly before he started walking again. Sylvara followed, boots crunching against the frozen road.
___________________________
The path leading to Auntie Yang's was familiar. Every step reminded Lloyd of how many times he had walked it in the past. Usually alone, carrying small bags of supplies or leading a younger Nora by the hand. But this time, Sylvara walked with him.
The snow had stopped falling, leaving only a soft layer of white that glowed under the dimming sky. The air was cold enough to bite, but he was used to it.
As they reached Auntie Yang's cottage, a thin line of smoke rose lazily from the chimney. Warm light spilled from the windows, casting a welcoming glow. Lloyd knocked on the door.
The door creaked open, and Auntie Yang appeared, wrapped in her knitted shawl, cheeks rosy from the warmth inside.
"Lloyd! You came," she greeted with a warm smile. "Nora's been waiting for you all day."
Almost on cue, Nora peeked from behind her, eyes lighting up the instant she saw him.
"Big brother!" she squealed, running out and jumping straight into his arms.
Lloyd caught her with ease, lifting her slightly. "Hey, short stuff. Did you behave while I was gone?"
Nora giggled and nodded furiously, snuggling against his chest. "Uh-huh!"
While Lloyd hugged his sister, Auntie Yang's gaze shifted, finally noticing the woman standing behind him.
"Oh? And who might this gorgeous young lady be?"
Sylvara stepped forward with a bright, confident smile. Her emerald eyes glimmered as she looked Auntie Yang straight in the eye.
"I'm Sylvara Feylora," she said, her voice light yet firm. "Lloyd's girlfriend."
Lloyd nearly dropped Nora.
"Huh?!" He turned, face flushing red. "That's—"
Sylvara simply looped her arm through his and leaned closer, wearing that teasing smile that made his pulse quicken.
"Isn't that right, Lloyd?" she purred.
Caught between Nora's innocent stare and Auntie Yang's raised brow, Lloyd's mouth opened… then closed. His ears burned.
"…Yeah," he muttered at last, looking away. "That's right."
Auntie Yang chuckled softly, her expression softening. "Well, it's about time. You've been alone far too long, Lloyd. I'm glad you've found someone."
Sylvara's smile softened, and she gave a small nod. "Thank you."
The three of them headed home together. Nora walked between them, holding Lloyd's hand with one tiny mitten and Sylvara's with the other.
Nora skipped as she talked, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Big brother, Auntie Yang made cookies today! I saved one for you!"
Lloyd chuckled, glancing down at her. "Yeah? I'll eat it when we get home."
Sylvara smiled at the sight, gently squeezing Nora's hand. "You're so cute. Nora, do you like sister?"
"Nora likes pretty sister!" The little bunny readily agreed.
Lloyd glanced at the two of them with a slight smile before getting lost in his thoughts.
Auntie Yang was the lead gossiper of the old aunties. The news that he got a girlfriend would probably spread like wildfire.
It wasn't that he was upset at that fact it was more like…he was disappointed in himself. He hadn't even properly asked her out yet. He thought it would be too early, but Sylvara quickly made her way into his life with such natural ease.
Once I get money, I'll make sure to make a proper proposal.
___________________________
By the time they reached the farmhouse, night had fallen completely. The stars glittered faintly above, their light softened by the snow-covered ground. Inside, the house was cold, but it quickly warmed as Lloyd started a small fire in the hearth.
He unpacked the meat he had kept for them and began cooking. The rich smell of searing pork filled the room, mingling with the smoky scent of burning wood. He roasted the cuts carefully, seasoning them with what little spices he had left. The vegetables from his mythical crops, carrots and beets, were added to the pan, releasing a sweetness that made Sylvara's mouth water.
Nora sat at the table, swinging her legs back and forth as she watched him cook. Sylvara stood nearby, leaning casually against the counter with her arms crossed, humming a tune.
When dinner was served, the three of them ate together. The warmth of the food, the laughter at the table, and the simple comfort of sharing a meal filled the house with life. For Lloyd, it was a rare moment of peace.
Sylvara caught him smiling faintly to himself and teased, "You should smile more, it suits you."
He rolled his eyes. "Eat your food."
Later that night, after Nora had fallen asleep curled up under her new pink coat and Sylvara had quietly settled besides her, Lloyd stepped back into the cold.
The forest was silent, only the crunch of his boots and the distant call of an owl breaking the stillness. His flashlight cast a dim circle of light ahead of him, the snow reflecting it faintly. He walked deeper and deeper, following a path only he seemed to know.
Eventually, the trees parted to reveal an old shrine, hidden beneath years of neglect. The wooden beams were cracked, the stone steps half-buried under snow, and the small statue at the center was covered in dust and fallen leaves. It depicted a woman holding a sheaf of wheat, the goddess of land and fertility.
Lloyd stood there, staring at it. His parents used to come here often. They were the only ones who cared for it, the only ones who still believed. After they died, the shrine was abandoned, left to fade away.
He approached slowly, brushing the snow off the offering table with his gloved hand. Dust clung to his fingers.
"…Been a while," he murmured to the statue, as if it could hear him.
He knelt, placing his lantern down. The warm light illuminated the cracks and weathering on the goddess's face, making her expression seem almost sorrowful.
Memories stirred. His mother's laughter, his father's strong hands guiding him, the prayers whispered into the cold air.
His chest tightened. "I'm still here," he said softly. "Still trying."