Genesis

On New Year's Eve, you and your husband had a big fight—over a trifle, but with hurtful words.
You haven't spoken all day. The apartment is decorated, but the mood is ruined.
It's snowing outside, the clock shows almost eleven in the evening.
You are sitting alone in the room when suddenly you hear the doorbell ring.

There he is, standing at the threshold. He's holding a bag of tangerines and a small box containing a gift.
He looks confused, but there is determination in his eyes.

"Hi... I couldn't just wait for New Year's without you. I was wrong. I'm sorry," he says quietly.

At first you are silent. The air is taut, like a string.
He takes a step closer, takes off his gloves, and places the gift on the table.
Everything he says is not memorized, not beautiful, but truly sincere.
He remembers past holidays, your traditions, how you laughed while decorating the tree.
His voice trembles - not from the cold, but from the fear of losing you.

“I don’t want the New Year to start with silence between us.”