Chapter 1 (Chapter numbers should be consistently formatted; I've chosen a simpler style)

The snow began to fall again at 10:00 p.m. Paul snapped his umbrella shut, giving it a quick shake to dislodge the clinging snowflakes. They melted almost instantly.

The experiment had hit a few snags, leading to a cascade of complications. Even he felt worn out from trying to keep everything on track.

As the year wound down, the Christmas spirit grew stronger, filling the air with festivity. Paul hadn't slept well in days. But today, the experiment's data had finally been adjusted to safe levels. With Christmas just around the corner, he decided to give everyone two days off.

Paul reached for his keys. Just as he was about to turn the door handle, he heard a noise behind him.

A warm, golden light seeped through a crack in the door, illuminating the hallway and casting a cozy glow over him. The once-dim corridor was suddenly bright, and Miranda's voice, as comforting as a hearth fire on a cold winter's night, followed.

"Dr. Jefferson, you're home early today. Bonnie from the third floor just became a grandmother! She brought over some cupcakes this afternoon. I have your share. Give me a moment, and I'll get them for you."

Paul's senses were usually keen, but her clear, gentle voice seemed to momentarily suspend his thoughts. It wasn't until she handed him a small wicker basket filled with dainty cupcakes and a thermos of homemade beef and lentil soup that he fully returned to the present.

After a moment, he managed a quiet, raspy, "Thank you."

A cold draft swept through the hallway, making Miranda shiver slightly. "I warmed up the soup. Make sure you eat it while it's hot. I'll close the door now."

"Alright."

The brief warmth of the light vanished as the door closed behind her.

Chapter 2

Paul stepped into his apartment and flicked on the light. The empty room felt especially cold and quiet. He rubbed his aching forehead as he unscrewed the thermos lid.

The soup was still steaming, with bits of parsley floating on top, and the carrots perfectly softened. He took a bite. The flavor was just right.

He glanced at the cupcakes beside him, a slight frown of indecision crossing his face, but eventually, he picked one up. It wasn't too bad as a dessert after the soup.

Soon, warmth spread through his body. He lounged lazily on the couch, letting his thoughts wander as his mood gradually lightened.

His phone buzzed a few times on the table, and he knew who was texting without looking. He'd been living abroad for the past few years, missing family gatherings. With plans to stay in the country long-term this year, family gatherings were inevitable.

As expected, after ignoring this morning's phone call, Paul's night was flooded with WhatsApp messages. He picked up his phone. Most messages were from his mother, filled with probing questions and concern. A few were from relatives checking on him. One message was from his father, similar to his mother's, urging him to come home for a visit.

Paul replied to each message, reassuring them that he would finish his work as soon as possible.

After setting down his phone, his eyes drifted to the empty thermos. Only a couple of carrot pieces remained.

Suddenly, it hit him: when he returned home in a few days, it would probably be after Christmas before he saw Miranda again. Would she stay in Jandersville for the holidays?

Chapter 3

Paul had tried several times to return the thermos, but he could never catch Miranda at home. The reason was simple: Miranda had already packed her bags and was on her way to the train station. In the six years she'd been there, she hadn't returned home once.

She hesitated on her phone's ticket purchase screen, wavering between decisions. She exited the app several times, only to return to it. Eventually, she pressed the button to buy the ticket. She knew some things couldn't be avoided and had to be dealt with sooner or later.