The Night Before Christmas
The smell of freshly cooked food filled the dining room, spices, warmth, familiarity, but I felt strangely detached, as though I were watching everything from behind glass.
“It’s been a while since we sat like this,” my mum said softly, her gaze drifting around the table.
“Yeah,” Elliot added. “Tomorrow starts a new year, and a new month.”
“So, would we have the beach party like usual?” Helina asked, brightening.
“What is a beach party?” Hailey asked, tilting her head.
Helina turned to me, eyebrows raised. “Aria, why would your daughter ask such a question? Does it mean you don’t allow her to have fun?”