Winter may have descended on the area, bringing forth snow, but still there was hope that beyond this chill would come warmth beyond anything, much more than weather occurrences or intense heat.
Springtime would rush along in all of its splendor, and Shiemi knew that as she watched the snow pelt the trees outside and leave her garden temporarily frozen.
She was curled up in a sweater far too big for her that her boyfriend had bought her before the chill had even set in.
Shiemi remembered how awkward and absolutely adorable, Rin had looked when he'd brought out the ring.
He had admitted that it wasn't much and that she'd probably use the sweater more, but he wanted to say that somehow, someday the words, "I do" would mark their path.
Rin had told her that it was his promise to always remain by her side in spirit even when distance separated them; it was merely a promise binding them together for as long as she'd accept him as hers.
Shiemi smiled and then felt the shiver of a turn in her emotions as she remembers the pain of having to tell him, "'Bye" for now as she knew that he'd had an important mission to take care of.
Winter was the hope for a promise to be filled, and Spring was the fulfillment of that delicate promise.
Shiemi knew that one day a ring would follow that would promise marriage, but this ring, here and now, promised a future together still even before vows would be uttered and definitely kept.
She curled up, contently, by her fireplace and listened to the gentle crackle that was not at all like blue flames that promised protection among other beautiful promises.
Shiemi knew that Spring would arrive long after Christmas did and that it would provide the return of the man that she loved more than anything.
Winter offered her hope while Spring delivered that offering so very easily into one's hands; she smiled for their future that would certainly be as bright as Rin's flames and more than likely brighter still.