The cold wind of winter continued to blow as he slowly made his way through the deserted streets of the city. The only few people that remained outside that night were those that were running late to their respective family gatherings. And even them quickly disappeared into one of the multiple apartment buildings as quickly as they had appeared. Some of them, mainly couples, would even argue for taking too long to get ready, or for being unable to find a parking spot closer to their destination.

The bell from a church rang in the distance, though he didn’t have to count the chimes to know it was already ten o’clock. Whilst people were rushing to spend the night with their families and loved ones, he was doing the exact opposite. A small argument, if it could even be called that, was enough for him to storm off into the icy embrace of the night in search for fresh air and space to think. The seasonal celebrations had always been somewhat difficult for him, but he never expected to explode like that. To say the things he had said.

After walking for a few minutes, his steps led him to a nearby park, as empty as the streets. He entered the small playground area and sat down at one of the swings. Letting out a big sigh and closing his eyes, he started to think about what to do next. The burden of trying to keep everyone happy weighted heavily on his mind, sometimes to a fault. Things were always easier as a child.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of steps approaching from behind. After all this time, he should have guessed that his brother would definitely know where to come look for him. They used to spend so much time together at that park when they were young and it always provided him with a quiet place in which to think without being disturbed, especially after sundown when all the children had already returned home.

“I told you I wanted to be alone.” He turned around expecting to see his brother, but instead found a female figure standing in front of him. Despite the long winter coat and the wool scarf he had seen her wear so many times before, it was obvious that the rest of her clothes were not warm enough for such a crude weather. “You should be home with your family.”

“So should you.” Rubbing her hands together in an attempt to warm them, she approached and took the empty swing next to his. Without so much as a word, she started to swing back and forth, barely moving from her spot. When he glanced at her under the dim light of the street lamps, he couldn’t help but remember the beautiful colour of her eyes reflecting the light of the summer sun.

In retrospect, they hadn’t known each other for that long, but he always thought there was something special about her. An aura of sorts that made him feel calm whenever she was around, even after all that had happened. He knew he could confide in her, but at the same time he felt as if it would mean placing a burden on her. A burden that was his to bear.

Still, for some reason she had left her own family gathering to search for him in that cold night.

She stopped swinging and gently wrapped his hand in hers. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. Just know that I’m here for you.”

And, just like that, all of his defences, the walls he’d learned to erect in order to protect himself, came crumbling down. All it took was a few words to change his whole world. That was all she ever needed.

Letting go of her hand and the swing, he stood up and took a couple of steps forward, trying not to face her. He wanted to scream, to cry, to let go. But, most of all, he wanted her to comfort him, and that made him feel embarrassed. Could he really ask for such a thing? Did he even deserve it?

Then, he turned around. And before he could say anything he felt a pair of arms embrace him tenderly. Her head resting over his chest in silence. After a few moments, he also wrapped his arms around her as tears started falling from his eyes.

“I’m here,” she said.