Fiona POVGrandma Corine had fallen asleep on the couch hours ago, her soft, steady snores mixing gently with the low volume of the romantic comedy still playing on the TV. It was almost midnight now, the Christmas tree lights twinkling cheerfully in the corner of the living room, casting colorful glows of red, green, and gold across the walls and ceiling, making the ornaments sparkle like distant stars in a private sky. Coco was curled up at Grandma’s feet, breathing deep and content, occasionally twitching in some happy dog dream, tail thumping once against the cushion. I sat on the other end of the couch, legs tucked under me, a thick cozy blanket over my lap, staring at the screen without really watching anything at all. The movie was one of my all-time favorites, full of silly misunderstandings, snowy scenes in pretty towns, and a perfect happy ending with kisses under mistletoe and big declarations, but tonight it all felt fake, too perfect, too far from the quiet worry sitt
Last Updated : 2025-12-31 Read more