The biting chill of a New York winter wrapped around Aviannah and Raven as they stepped out of the bustling mall, their arms loaded with bags from their successful shopping spree. Snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky, dusting their coats and hair in a delicate shimmer. Raven pulled her scarf tighter around her neck and nudged Aviannah playfully with her elbow.
“We need to get out of this cold,” Raven said, her lips curling into a grin. “My hotel isn’t too far. Let’s go warm up.”
Aviannah shivered, her fingers clutching the straps of her bags. “You had me at warm up. Lead the way.”
The two navigated through the city streets, their heels clicking against the frozen pavement. The hotel lobby was a welcomed contrast to the icy outdoors—golden lights, the faint aroma of spiced candles, and the hum of soft jazz filling the space. Aviannah sighed in relief as they entered the elevator, her breath visible in the warmth of the confined space.
“I can’t feel my toes,” she groaned, shifting from foot to foot.
“That’s what hot chocolate and a cozy blanket are for,” Raven quipped, flashing a knowing smile.
Once inside Raven’s room, the world outside faded away. The soft glow of the city skyline streamed through the wide windows, casting shadows that danced across the plush carpet. Aviannah dropped her bags onto the bed and flopped down with a content sigh. Raven, ever the host, flicked on the fireplace, filling the room with a comforting crackle and a golden warmth.
“I think I bought too much,” Aviannah mused, staring at the pile of shopping bags.
Raven smirked, settling beside her with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate. “There’s no such thing as too much when you’re shopping in New York. Besides, it’s all about the experience.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, sipping their drinks and enjoying the sanctuary of the hotel. The city lights twinkled outside, and the distant sound of car horns felt like a world away from the cozy haven they’d created.
Aviannah stretched out, kicking off her boots and wiggling her toes in the soft rug. “This was exactly what I needed tonight.”
Raven leaned back against the headboard, watching her friend with a soft expression. “Sometimes, a little indulgence is the best kind of therapy.”
With a laugh, Aviannah lifted her mug in agreement. “To therapy, then.”
They clinked their mugs together, letting the warmth of the moment settle around them like a thick, soft blanket. Outside, the snow continued to fall, but inside, everything was just right.