I don’t know if it’s because she doesn’t want to part ways just yet either or because I didn’t phrase it as a question, but she doesn’t argue me on it.

Once we’ve put our coats and boots on, I open the front door and lead her out.

Head low, she stays silent as we start walking, the only sound the crunch of snow under our boots. All the precipitation of the past week has transformed the farm into a true winter paradise, which has increased our sales a lot. I guess people are more interested in going to cut their own tree when the landscape looks straight out of a movie. Or maybe it’s just that Christmas is next week and people visited later than usual this year.

I can’t wait for the season to be over and to be able to take a small breather.

Even though it’s only 5:30 p.m., the sun has already set, night occupying the space. The Christmas lights I hung on the roof illuminate our path, the moon barely a sliver of light.

“So…” I start, although I don’t know what to say next. This strangely feels like a hard goodbye even though we haven’t spent that much time together.

Besides, it doesn’t have to be goodbye.

A few days ago, I came to the conclusion that with these feelings I couldn’t tamp down, maybe it would be worth it to ask Wren whether she’d like us to see each other once she was done working on my father’s case. Maybe what I’m feeling for her is only a representation of my gratefulness (highly doubt it), but it would still be worth it to see whether there could be something more.

But with the distance she’s kept between us, especially today, I don’t think I’ll risk it. She’s not even looking at me, for Christ’s sake.

“I’m happy it all turned out well,” she finally says. “I know the medical board’s investigation will begin soon too, so that’s more good news.”

“Right.”

To our right, the commercial zone of trees still hosts a few customers. Even though it’s dark, fairy lights keep the farm workable during the evening, and people seem to love to come at that hour. I can understand why. This makes for an extremely romantic setup. If I were dating, I’d for sure bring someone here at night. The cold temperature that makes you want to cuddle, the lights that create a cozy atmosphere, the soft Christmas music playing in the background. It’s all perfect.

Sadly, the only person I would want to take on a date right now is the one who’s walking to my left and possibly disappearing on me in the next few minutes.