From merciless clouds above, swirling wisps of black and gray caught together, came the gentlest of snowfalls. It drifted down on the ghost of a wind, blanketing the asphalt and concrete just enough to shield them from view.
A soft sigh escaped the blonde's mouth, visible in the below freezing atmosphere surrounding her. She slipped her hands into the pockets of her thin jacket, listening to the comforting crunch of ice beneath her boots as she continued on her way.
Even though it wasn't that bad, few people adventured out. She was grateful for that, crowds of any degree made her nervous. It was pleasant to be able to go down the street without fearing someone was following you, or simply watching from afar.
The wind picked up, blowing in her direction, sending up little puffs of the frozen crystals. They danced, parted, settled back down.
She smiled to herself, watching. Something so very beautiful. Cold, even harsh at times, but undeniably magical. A fascination, some might have called it. An obsession, others would deem it. She cared for neither word. She just... liked it.
Her steps halted as she grew nearer to her destination. A small coffee shop just off the side of main street, a dainty place that presented itself as comfy and homey. She hated it, hated the very beverage they specialized in.
But she had little choice of where to go, as her mother worked here. And expected her to work here as well.
Even from outside the door, she could see in. Several booths by the windows were occupied, people laughing as they sipped at their mugs. A line consisting of only three or four people stood branching away from the cash register.
The blonde squared her shoulders. It was okay, just a few hours and she'd be done. Piece of cake.
Emboldened with the knowledge that after this she could slip back home and into her own private sanctum, aka her room, she was able to shamble in.
Immediately the contrast from cold to warm made a shudder travel down her spine. She pushed the door shut, breathing in the now overbearing smell of vanilla and cinnamon, wincing as a few eyes looked her way before returning to their friends.
"Elsa, there you are," her mother's voice cut into her thoughts as she shuffled toward the counter, pulling off her gloves as she did.
"Oh, hey, mom. I'm sorry I'm la-"
"Never mind that, just get to work," the woman hissed, brushing back a lock of her strawberry blonde hair. There were circles under her eyes, her frown more persistent than normal. The wrinkles around her dull marine eyes made her seem years older than she was.
"Yes, ma'am," Elsa murmured, slipping behind the counter as she unzipped her jacket.
She pushed through the doors into the back, greeted with a friendly grin thrown toward her from one of the view friends she made.
A young man, only a few years older than herself. His lopsided smile revealed slightly crooked teeth, and he sauntered over. The second his massive arms wrapped round her, she herself smiled. He smelled of multiple colognes, a result of most lightly coming straight here from his first job.
"Hey, blondie," he chuckled, ruffling her silver hair as he pulled back. "Thought you might not even come today."
Elsa sighed as she handed over her coat and gloves to him. "I thought about it. Believe me, it took several minutes before I could even leave the house."
He nodded in understanding as he tossed her things on a chair. "Yeah, your mom's been pretty booked today. Muttering about how little you do."
"Normal," the blonde sighed, letting a sad smile grace her lips.
"Olaf, get over here," someone called from around one of the racks of containers.
The man huffed as he ran a hand through his course brunette hair. "Well, back to work, I guess. Hit me up after your shift, 'kay? I think we both need to go do something."
Elsa rolled her eyes. "And that would be? Going out and feeding the imaginary ducks in the park? Ice skating on too thin ice? Picking wilted flowers for our lovely dying boutique?"
Olaf grinned that crooked grin. "Whatever you want, so long as it doesn't cost anything."
The blonde shook her head, watching him disappear into the room. Then she huffed and turned, heading back out to the front.
Her mother had shifted over, slipping into place as the new cashier once the other left for break. She briefly glanced back at her daughter, throwing a sad smile.
Elsa returned the gesture, though she doubted the woman saw it as she turned quickly to speak with her current customer.
Fishing out a tiny pad, pencil, she reached for one of the neatly folded aprons next to them. Tying it around her waist felt damning, too real. Like it anchored her to this place.
"Miss?" a young man called to her, just as she retrieved her pad.
She sighed, and slowly slipped into the all too familiar routine.
One person to the next, she answered questions regarding the drink options, took orders, brought them their requests.
...
With a groan, she leaned against the door just within the kitchen. She glanced at her watch, the tiny arms of the clock providing a blessing. Only a half hour before her shift ended. She was grateful; at one point her anxiety had nearly made her break down.
Stealing what courage she could again, she straightened and slipped back out.
"...kay, really. I just want hot cocoa..." a gentle, uneasy voice greeted her.
Her eyes were drawn to the young woman her mother was talking to, awkwardly.
Fiery red hair, tan skin even in the middle of winter. Small lips that curled up at the corners nervously. Freckles that seemed to have been splashed across her face.
And shockingly teal eyes that met hers.