“Why can’t I just end my life? I’m so tired of everything.

Can I not go home? Will it be okay”, these are the thoughts that would often

come across Elisa’s mind. She was a daughter of a common household but a

pampered child. Her father was an accountant of a small firm while her mother

was a home maker. She had an elder brother, who had decided to walk a different

path and so he had given up everything and had become a monk. However, after

entering the monastery, he had cut all the ties with his family. No one

understood why he did that or what made him choose the life when he could have

achieved something greater in his life. Everyone had high hopes regarding Josh.

Whoever came to know him would definitely feel the aura of a great personality.

He had a pair of radiant eyes, a tall nose bridge, cheeks as white as clouds

and lips like rose petals. He was quiet a looker but also a heart breaker.

Whatever the topics would be he could easily argue and force the opponent to

submit before his wit. “Your son will be a true leader one day” was a

compliment which made Mr. Brown beam with pride. But no one predicted that Josh

would give up everything in his life to become a monk. His decision sure left

many with broken hearts, while those who had envied him could not help but

heave a sigh of relief. But the most disappointed of them all was his sister

Elisa.

Though she was doted on, yet she was born in a middle class

family. Though her parents were modern and educated. yet they were the product

of this society. After all, we have to live relying on each other. The society

in which she lived emphasized the submissive role of female. The males had the

role where they were to shoulder the responsibility of the household and

females were to make sure not to taint their maiden names. When Josh was

preparing for his life as celibate, Elisa was looking forward to a future were

she would share her life with Rowden. Rowden was a man of big but empty words.

His words could amuse people but at the same time would also give the

impression of shallow person.  His looks

were up to the standard but he had no ambition. He was fit to be someone’s

crush but he was far from being considered as a husband material. Elisa was a

good girl but her only flaw was that she was a dreamer. These two belonged from

the same neighborhood so initially they were mere acquaintances but as they

grew up Elisa started seeing Rowden in a new light. Her friends definitely

advised her to stay away from him but Elisa was shipwrecked by him.

After

two years they started seeing each other but their fantasy world was about to

get crumbled down by reality. Before the graduation ceremony Josh suddenly

announced his plans.

His parents were upset about his decision, but they saw that

he would not be swayed so they accepted. Elisa on the other hand felt more than

helpless. A week before her brother’s announcement she had prepared to confide in

her brother. Of all the people she knew she was sure that only her brother

would understand her. “I know I’ve disappointed you, but I cannot force myself

to suit the preferences of the society”, and with these words Josh left the

dining table. Elsa who had picked the piece of meat with her fork shoved it in

her mouth nearly chocking herself. “That is not the way for a lady to eat”,

said her mother who was still shocked at what her son had just declared. Elsa

held back her tears and excused herself leaving her two dumbstruck parents at

the table. She entered her room and rushed towards where the study table was

kept. She took out a paper from her first drawer and started writing.

Dear Rowden,

Winter has arrived so everything looks so cold. I wonder how

long will it last this year? Things must be different in capital, right? Don’t

forget to wear warm clothes and remember to eat three meals a day. Even though

the training to become a knight might be difficult try to hang in there.

I miss you a lot especially today. When you return, I’ll be

there to welcome you.

With Love,

Elisa.

She wanted to write about the incidents that had taken place

but all she could write was “I miss you”. Two weeks before when Rowden had

proposed Elisa, she had felt the luckiest that day. The man of her dreams, the

man, whom she loved dearly had asked her for commitment. She could not have been

happier than that. However, Rowden also had a matter that he wanted to

discuss with her. He had been enlisted to serve in the army. He had always been

considered as a useless piece of meat but for the first time in his life he

wanted to do something for someone. He knew that he was not good enough for his

beloved but now he wanted to be someone who Elisa could rely on. He had always

been envious of Josh because he was everything that Rowden could never become.

This may have been the catalyst for Rowden to approach Elisa but as time passed,

he wanted to treasure Elisa. Her pure feelings paved its way to Rowden dark

heart and filled it with light and warmth. Elisa knew that if she mentioned

anything about how anxious she was, he would leave everything and come to her

side which she never wanted, after all it was the first time when Rowden had

considered something.

After writing the letter she stared out of the window for a

long time. She wondered, “when will spring come?”. That night Elisa could not

sleep and for the first time in her life she wished that winter would pass by.