Nonetheless, Erick agreed to a site visit, finding himself in Uchaesau’s biting winter after a long journey.
The temperature plunged far beneath what Swynborough ever experienced.
The thought of Elin, always shivering away from the chill, choosing an academic life in such a frigid place puzzled Erick.
On his first day, after a succinct summit with the prospective allies and dismissing their social invitations, Erick set off to Elin’s college.
The college’s century-old reputation was reflected in its grandeur and allure.
After a simple check-in, Erick received permission to explore the grounds. His footsteps led him, almost aimlessly, until he paused outside the women’s dormitory, lingering without clear intent. Maybe it was hope, however faint, that guided him.
As the snow thickened, he observed young men delivering hot meals to the girls they were smitten with.
The scene was charming, echoing echoes of days filled with the vibrancy of youth.
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Just then, a couple came into view.
Clad in a khaki beanie and a long down coat, the girl nestled into the boy’s embrace, a picture of a couple lost in love.
Erick’s heart stuttered. Despite her bundled-up appearance, he knew it was Elin.
As the snowfall intensified, it dusted Erick’s shoulders while he stood, nearly camouflaged against the white backdrop of the wall, under the shelter of a tree.
The absurdity of the moment struck Erick. He couldn’t fathom why he’d come. Elin had put oceans between them to escape his reach, yet here he was, fabricating reasons to trail her to Uchaesau. He had persuaded himself to pursue a losing deal, bordering on insanity.
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Those five minutes, while brief, stretched into an eternity for Erick.
The truth dawned on him in that chilling clarity. Madness had indeed taken hold. Elin was blossoming, a world away from his shadow, evidently faring better than him.
As Erick made to leave, a surge of frustration propelled him to disturb the snow-laden branches, drawing the attention of the nearby duo.
The young man stared at Erick’s receding back, bewildered. “Was there someone there just now?”
Elin, grappling with a throbbing headache and blurred vision, discerned only a vague outline. Yet, that silhouette resonated with familiarity. It bore an uncanny resemblance to the man etched in her heart. With a flutter of her lashes, she dismissed the notion. That figure couldn’t possibly be Erick.
Elin had hoped that by relocating to Uchaesau, changing her contact information, and severing her past connections, the memories of Erick would fade with time. Surprisingly, visions of Erick lingered. Every tree, each blanket of snow, even a vague figure in the distance, seemed to echo his image. She was undeniably spellbound.
Desperate to move on, Elin found time had only intensified her yearning for Erick. A few months had passed since her departure, yet it felt like an endless expanse of time since their paths had crossed.
Inwardly, Elin scolded herself and grasped the need to shed this longing. Even if she couldn’t truly forget Erick, at least she could pretend to be indifferent.
“Elin? Are you alright?” The concern etched on the young man’s face was unmistakable. “You’re not looking well. Do we need to see a doctor?”
Shaking her head, Elin replied, “No need, it’s nothing serious. Some medicine and rest should do the trick.”
Acclimating to Uchaesau’s chill proved difficult. Elin regularly fell victim to colds and fevers. These persistent ailments had whittled away at her, resulting in noticeable weight loss. Thankfully, her winter attire was forgiving, with the voluminous down jackets masking her diminished frame.