The illuminations in front of the station are lined up in the same order as last year.

The red ribbon peeking out from the opening of a paper bag is dazzling.

Only the whiteness of my breath signals the certainty of the season.

I clutch a quiet monologue ringing in my pocket.

At the edge of an ordinary day,

A light that no one can see flickers faintly.

On a night when the unchanging city seems a little more cheerful.

I wish laughter could fall like snow on the other side of the windowpane.

I wish I could wave innocently like I once did.

Deep in my quiet heart, a softer sound than pain.

A small cake reserved for reservation stands next to the convenience store register.

I thought I'd memorized the lyrics to the song playing, but they were vague.

I almost dropped one glove, and realized.

That I'd once again carried a faint hope this year.

I decided not to envy someone else's happiness,

But the light in the shop window makes me squint.

Unfamiliar colors begin to mix in the unchanging night.

I feel as if an invisible wreath is hanging on the bus stop bench.

I wish I could be someone's"welcome home."

I gently tie a knot in my unraveled heart.

As I turn a corner on my way home, the wind caresses my ears.

It's okay to take a detour, just walk in the direction of the many lights.

Stop blaming me for not changing.

I'm feeling a little elated, and I match my stride to the streetscape.

Just that alone makes me feel like today is enough.

A small, unnoticed salvation descends upon me.

A crowd of people passes by without any promise or signal.

The snow rubbing against my shoulders fades the outline of memories.

But even so, when I put my hands together again in my pocket,

Our white breaths overlap, as if we're breathing in unison.