24#24

24

In contrast, Finland's New Year celebrations were subdued. The streets lacked the usual festive decorations, with only a few official banners and modest gatherings organized by American expatriates.

Athena reclined on the bed, perusing social media messages. The wedding planning company's manager had shared their annual review. The wedding venue Athena had carefully crafted, one she had envisioned for herself, had been reserved by another couple. It had become the city's most coveted wedding location.

Cascading green silk and white petals created a vision reminiscent of early summer's bloom.

As Athena viewed the images, thoughts of Emmett intensified. An overwhelming surge of emotion enveloped her, prompting an unexpected desire to shut off the screen and cease reading.

Just then, fireworks illuminated the night sky outside. Athena lay on her side, observing the display, feeling the weight of solitude.