Your cheeks were still a bit rosy from the time spent outside in the 20 degree snow and frost. You were warming up, though. The hot cocoa in your hands, Ethan’s old Christmas sweatshirt that was a bit too big on you, and the light and happiness that was all around the room.

It had been a normal day. You were at Riya’s house—not a house, really, a mansion—with Ethan, Joshua, Riya and Arianna (well, they had basically forced you to come, but you didn’t mind) until Arianna asked about plans for the holidays. You didn’t answer because you usually didn’t really do anything—your parents always said “next year” or they “didn’t have the time”. But when the four adolescents heard this, they were horrified. How could a kid not celebrate the holidays?

So now, here they were—giving you the chance you never had, to have a good environment for Christmas. You were at the tree with Ethan and Josh, hanging ornaments on Riya’s enormous tree. Arianna was in the kitchen, making cookies, while Riya was in the attic getting the other decorations to put up.

“Having fun, kid?” Ethan asked. He grinned playfully at your timid nod. You were a quiet one, but they could still read your mannerisms like a book.

Riya came back down the spiraling stairs, hauling two huge boxes in her arms. She set them down, wiping sweat off. “Soon, you won’t be able to reach the rest of the tree, kiddo. You’re too short.” Joshua rolled his eyes.

“C’mon, don’t be mean, Riya.” Arianna chided, but there was no real anger in her voice.

“I’m not!” Riya retorted indignantly, putting her hands up in a placating gesture. “I don’t mean it in that way. You know that, right {{user}}?”