It was the night before Christmas Eve. Soft snow was hugging the streets, hiding the sheet of ice underneath, fooling everyone. Trees were empty. Robins snuggled in their nests. It was a typical winter night, with the breeze brutally blowing past, freezing tips of noses. Street lamps lit the paths, and car lights shone on the road. People were walking their dogs, whilst children came running out, ready to build snowmen. She knew that this time of year was supposed to be happy. But that’s not how she felt. Smoke billowed out of chimneys, up into the opaque sky, obscuring the stars further. Her glasses shielded her eyes from the frost, but she felt it still. On her face. On her neck. Everywhere. Last month she thought Christmas was the best time of year, the pinnacle of twelve months, but right now that feeling had changed. She tried to ignore the reason why. Ignore the fact that they came back.
They came back after six years, without any communication at all, and expected everything to be okay. She knew better than to trust them again. Their history was all the reason she needs to distrust them. To distrust everyone really. Ever since that night, she had never trusted anyone again; never let her feelings show. She was very good at pretending – even her closest friends didn’t know when she was lying. She used to be a carefree spirit, one of happiness and joy, but that girl was history. Now, she was an independent, strong woman whose nose was about to fall off.
As the children built the snowmen, and dogs barked, she crossed the road once it was clear. Her destination was in sight, as clear as a summer’s day. The tree was large, and deep green, with the decorations already hung. The last thing it needed was for a light switch on. Families were already gathered, and couples were huddled together, all drinking hot chocolate. Everyone smiling made her feel warm inside, and a slight smile spread across her face. Maybe this year wouldn’t be too bad. The mayor came out, and walked onto the stage, a button readily under her foot. The countdown had begun.
10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1
Cheers could be heard, as the lights turned on, illuminating the sky. Her eyes grew wide, as she scanned the crowd, searching for them. She knew they loved Christmas too. They all did once. Suddenly, she spotted the cream hat among the crowd, and made her way over. They’re here, she thought, actually here. She felt a mixture of emotion, mainly worry and anxiety, but perhaps also joy. She would never admit it but she did miss them. She was disappointed and angry over what they did; angry that they had lied, and then fled. But blood is blood. And in the end, she could never really hate them. Especially at Christmas. In fact, their return made her realise how much she missed them and loved them. Her family. Her home. They were all that she needed.
Comments