The cold had settled deep into the world that morning, frosting every window with delicate white patterns. Eli pressed their paw gently against the glass, watching their breath fog the surface. Snow covered everything outside, soft and endless, turning the streets quiet and slow. Winter always felt a little too quiet. Eli flicked their tail thoughtfully. Valentine’s Day was today — a holiday everyone said was about love, warmth, and closeness. Yet the chilly air outside made it hard to im...