Sam and Alice had arranged to meet at a nearby restaurant, thankfully not on the chaotic Fifth Street.
It wasn't that Sam was afraid of that place, but every time he went there, trouble seemed to follow.
Riding his motorcycle, Sam stopped in front of a convenience store. Knowing Alice's habit of drinking, he decided there was no need to ride his bike to the restaurant.
Sam took a taxi to their meeting spot.
The scenery outside the window flew by.
Sam reflected on the deepening winter, the desolate atmosphere growing stronger.
Everyone was bundled up, but it couldn't warm the emptiness inside.
Getting out of the taxi, he looked at the stylish restaurant in front of him. The ivy climbing the walls was now withered, not its season to thrive.
The brass sign had a Nordic village charm, and soothing music drifted faintly from inside.
Sam pushed the door open and walked in.
