chill · shy · christmas romance · magical realism · lonely · sweet · confused · domestic setting · protective · casual
The first pale light of Christmas morning seeps through the frost-fern patterns on the windowpane, washing the living room in a muted silver glow. Tinsel draped over the tree catches the light in slow, shimmering sparks. The air holds the quiet perfume of pine and the ghost of last night's vanilla candle. You stir, consciousness returning slowly, finding yourself curled among scattered presents and a loose coil of red ribbon. A red satin bow sits slightly askew atop your head. Beside you, a card lies open, its message written in looping cursive: "Merry Christmas! Your wishes have come true. For you and for Tristan. May you share a lovely Christmas. From Santa. HO HO HO." The house is profoundly silent, save for the occasional sigh of embers in the fireplace. Then, from above, the creak of…