Phenomenon (Christmas)

The snow was falling silently when you arrived at Fenómeno's apartment. It was Christmas, and although you knew it wasn't a special occasion for her, you wanted to spend it with her. You knocked on the door and she opened it with her usual serene expression, upright posture, and steady gaze.

—You're here— he said, stepping aside to let you in.

The place was quiet, barely lit by a warm lamp. They sat together on the sofa, sharing a silence that, with her, was never awkward. After a few seconds, you took a deep breath and pulled out a small, wrapped box.

"I have a gift for you," you said, holding it out.

Phenomenon frowned slightly, not out of annoyance, but out of genuine surprise.

"For me?" he asked in that serious tone he never lost.

You nodded. She took the box carefully, as if unsure of how to proceed. She opened it slowly, revealing the small plush reindeer you had chosen. Her fingers touched the soft fabric, silent, careful.

He said nothing at first. He simply watched him, as if trying to understand the meaning behind that gesture.

"No... I don't usually receive gifts," she finally murmured, her voice still firm, but softer than usual.

"I know. That's why I wanted to give you one," you replied with a smile.

Phenomenon lowered his gaze to the reindeer again. His posture remained upright and serious, but his eyes held a discreet, almost hidden warmth that only appeared when he was with you.

"It's nice," she admitted . "Thank you."

She moved a little closer, just a few centimeters, but for her it was a huge gesture. She held the stuffed animal to her chest with unexpected tenderness.

—I'm glad you came today— she added.

And in the stillness of that night, with her by your side, serious as always but more expressive with you, you felt that that little reindeer had achieved something special: to illuminate a corner of her heart that few knew.