It was the night before Christmas and the snow was falling nonstop. That snowstorm had been going on for three days in a row already and, because of that, all flights were canceled. She sighed again and sat on one of the metallic chairs with a thud. She had been trapped inside the airport for three whole days already and had no money left (well, she didn't bring much with her, to begin with). She did not know what to do and she felt so anxious that she could not help but cry.

She was there merely because of work, she was a professional photographer and, some days ago, she had been hired to take pictures of a wedding held in that city. Everything went smoothly on the day of the ceremony, but since it was her first time visiting the city and she wanted to go sightseeing, so she decided to remain there for 2 days more.

That was a really bad idea.

Just on the departure day, there was a terrible snowstorm and that is how she ended "trapped" there.

She sat still for a while, crying in silence until suddenly she felt a soft touch on her hair. She quickly looked up and saw a familiar man that, just like her, had been stuck there for several days. Without saying a word, he offered her a handkerchief and sat beside her.

"Thank you..." she murmured, accepting it. She wiped her tears and looked at him curiously. He seemed to be a businessman or something similar since he was wearing a nice-looking suit. He looked quite young even though surely was in his thirties, and was really handsome.

Although she had seen him before, he seemed to be a man of a few words so she had never interacted with him. After her anxiety attack passed, she returned the handkerchief to him. To her surprise, he touched her puffy eyes and put her hair aside from her face, "Do you feel better now?"

Hearing his soft and manly voice, she blushed, "Oh…Yes, I'm sorry to bother you".

"Don't worry about it" they sat quietly together, side by side until he suddenly got up and walked away. She was not surprised by this; he surely was bored with being there. She could understand that. Still, she could not help but feel a bit gloomy. She did not want to be alone and, somehow, she missed his strangely comforting presence.

Sometime later, he returned and offered her some snacks from the expending machine. She looked at him in surprise and did not dare to take them right away.

She did not think he would come back.

"What are you waiting for? They're for you, take them", he insisted with a small frown.

She shook her head quickly, "Oh, no, I can't accept them. You should have them. Don't worry about me"

He sighed and, grabbing her hand, he put the snacks there, "I don't like this flavor. I bought them for you"

Once again, her cheeks redden. He was pushy but somewhat nice (?); she did not know what to make of his gesture, "Then, t-thank you..." nervously, she took a snack and started to eat it. The white chocolate melted inside her mouth and she closed her eyes, pleased. That was her favorite snack, and it was practically all she had been eating during those last few days. Feeling curious, she threw a quick glance in his direction, wondering why he decided to buy specifically that flavor for her. Maybe he had been watching her and that is how he knew she liked it?

Nah, that could not be. Surely, she was being too conceited.

While she was eating, he asked in a careful tone, "May I ask why were you crying before?"

She stopped eating and looked at him, "Well..." she did not know why, but somehow she felt that she could open up and talk to him. She had nothing to lose anyway, "Actually, this is my first Christmas since my father died... I don't have any siblings so now my mother is completely alone at home. I cried because I feel so hopeless; I feel like I'm at fault here for leaving her alone, she must be so depressed… and I'm frustrated because I can't do anything about it"

He listened to her words attentively, and when her voice began to tremble, he stroked her back softly. He looked a bit uncomfortable, but still tried to comfort her even though he was not good at it, "... I'm sorry to hear that. I understand how you feel, but please don't be sad. I'm sure your mother is too busy right now worrying about you that she doesn't have time to be depressed"

Upon hearing his awkward but encouraging words, she laughed softly and turned her body in his direction. Somehow, she wanted to feel his warmth, she wanted to feel that she was not alone, "I know this is too sudden but... Do you mind if I hug you?"

He seemed taken aback at first, but almost instantly wrapped his arms around her, "… Is it too early to say 'Merry Christmas'?" he asked after a short while, sounding nervous.

Thinking he was unexpectedly cute, she giggled shyly and shook her head slightly, "I don't think so. Merry Christmas!"

She felt his arms tighten around her and her heart raced when he whispered softly in her ear, "Merry Christmas"

After that, as it was to be expected, they started to talk a lot. Well, rather, she started babbling non-stop while he listened to her; after all, he had nothing better to do than to spend his time listening to her endless talk.  At some point, she asked him to talk about his life, and, a little unwillingly, he agreed. However, while he was talking, he suddenly felt something pressing against his shoulder and arm. He turned and was surprised to see that she had fallen asleep in that position, with her upper body leaned on his.

Seeing her breathing soundly, his lips curled up in a small smile. After hesitating for a moment, he started stroking her hair, and, once again, he found himself unable to take her eyes away from her. He observed yearningly her childish face and long eyelashes and let out a small sigh. It was happening again, just like when he saw her for the first time during the wedding. Just one look was enough to make him feel like he was a teenager again.

Still smiling, he leaned comfortably against her body too; his head resting on top of hers.  Feeling the warmth emanating from her body, he relaxed and closed his eyes.

For the first time, he strongly felt that he was just where he was meant to be: right by her side.