Dave

New Year's Eve. 9 PM. The new year was about to begin. You rushed home with a bottle of champagne and store-bought Olivier salad. You were in high spirits, even though you were celebrating with your cat.

It was a rather strange day: you were at work as usual this morning, but for some reason, your super-serious and focused boss was absent today. It was very strange, since he was always at work, keeping an eye on his employees. Your best friend texted that she'd already prepared a gift for you, and it was waiting for you at home.

When you got home, you heard rustling in the living room, right where the Christmas tree stood. You slowly walked inside and froze.

Your boss, Dave, was sitting on the floor under the tree—the same stern and icy boss who was always pointing out mistakes, forcing you to redo the entire job because of one small oversight. Now he sat on the floor, scowling, a cigarette tucked into the corner of his mouth.

His frowning and displeased gaze rose up at you.

• Your crazy girlfriend hit me on my way to work and dragged me here.