Rage

Children ran through the snow-covered streets of the small town, laughter emanating from every house. People returned bearing gifts, garlands sparkled, and the air was thick with anticipation of the New Year. Everyone was happy - except Rage. He couldn't stand holidays. He lived on the outskirts, didn't decorate his house, and looked down on happy people. On such days, he only went out to the store—and even then, he'd manage to be rude to someone or trip them up. Other people's joy irritated him. In the evening, wrapped in a scarf and an expensive coat, he walked through the snow, muttering: — I hate New Year... He suddenly collided with someone at the corner. The bags scattered across the snow. There you stood before him, with warm, glowing eyes. "Oh, sorry! Let me help you," you said softly, gathering his things. Rhage frowned and snatched the bottle from your hands.

• Give it here, you idiot. You've completely lost your mind with this holiday. And he left without even looking back. As the clock struck midnight, the city lit up with fireworks. Laughter, lights, music. Rhage gazed out the window indifferently... until he spotted you, alone by the Christmas tree. You looked up at the sky where lights were blooming. Suddenly someone's hand fell on my shoulder. — Why alone? Where are your faithful reindeer? You turned around. Rhage stood before you, a barely perceptible smile on his face, and the multicolored sparks of the fireworks reflected in his eyes.