Chapter 10 - A Home Warm Enough for Christmas
One year later, Christmas Eve arrived once again.
Snow fell gently outside the large bay window of Adrian’s home, but inside, the air was filled with warmth, light, and music. A massive Christmas tree stood in the living room, decorated with shining ornaments, handmade paper snowflakes, and a glass angel placed carefully at the top—unbroken and brilliant.
Marcus, now a senior manager at Hartwell Development, was in the kitchen laughing with Dana Whitmore as they prepared a holiday feast. Outside, children from the local shelter—which Adrian and Marcus had partnered to expand—were playing safely in the festive, snow-covered yard before returning for a warm evening party.
Emma, now nine years old, wore a bright red winter coat that fit her perfectly. She walked over to the fireplace mantel, where three photographs stood side-by-side: a photo of her late mother, a photo of her late friend Lily, and a brand-new portrait of Marcus, Emma, and Adrian smiling together.
Adrian sat down beside her in a leather armchair. "What are you thinking about, Emma?"
Emma tucked her hand into Adrian’s hand and looked up with bright, clear eyes. "I was thinking that last year, I thought nobody heard me when I was outside in the snow."
Adrian squeezed her hand gently. "I heard you, sweetheart. And I will always be listening."
May you like
Emma smiled, pulling a freshly made Christmas card from her pocket and placing it beneath the tree. Written on the front in vibrant, confident colors were five new words:
To My Family, I’m Home.
