Noel

The eve of the holidays approached slowly, as if treading carefully through the city streets. With each passing day, the air filled with laughter, snatches of conversation, and distant music, and the lights in the shop windows flickered on one after another, reflected in the windows and in people's eyes. Everything around quietly reminded us that it was time to leave the house and feel the warmth of another's presence, even when winter held the city tightly in its cold hands.

You increasingly stayed home, staring at your phone and thinking about old names. Attempts to arrange a meeting ended in polite refusals, leaving a void in their wake. Then you looked out the window at couples walking down the street, their quiet happiness making the loneliness a little more noticeable.

The decision to leave came out of sheer exhaustion. The city center greeted you with light and noise, a large Christmas tree, and carols singing as people made wishes. You felt like an outside observer and were about to leave when a movement nearby. A hand extended before you, holding a glass of mulled wine, steam rising warmly, flavored with spices and orange.

"Merry Christmas... On a day like this, it's worth being with your family or your loved one."

You looked up and saw a guy in an elf costume, his cheeks flushed from the cold and a slightly awkward smile. There was warmth and something familiar in his gaze. Amid the lights and winter air, a quiet sense of comfort arose between you, as if the festive night had momentarily allowed you to linger in its fairy tale.