After a while, Steven stopped and gently set Maya down on a bench covered in a thin layer of snow. He sat beside her, their shoulders touching. "Do you ever think about the future?" Steven asked, looking out at the snowy landscape.
"Sometimes," Maya admitted, her breath visible in the cold air. "But it's hard to picture anything clearly. What about you?"
"I cannot even see that, Maya." He stopped for second, "I cannot even see my future without you." His gaze was on her, she smiled softly but didn't say anything.
"And you're worth every bit of effort, Maya. So I am going to pursue you until you are ready to give me an answer." Steven added, his eyes locking with hers.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few more minutes, just enjoying each other's company. Then, without warning, Steven scooped up a handful of snow and playfully tossed it at Maya. She shrieked in surprise, laughing as she brushed the snow off her coat.
