The apartment was quiet except for the faint hum of a forgotten holiday playlist. Outside, snow fell lazily, turning the city into a beautiful winter wonderland. You sat curled up on the couch, a blanket around your shoulders, staring at the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree with a mug of hot cocoa sat untouched, now long forgotten.

Your thoughts kept drifting to Simon. In high school, you’d both dreamed of spending every Christmas together, but life had other plans. After moving in together, Simon joined the military, leaving a void that texts and calls couldn’t fill. This year, his absence felt heavier than usual.

Then suddenly, a knock at the door jolted you from your thoughts, making your heart race as you threw the blanket off of your shoulders and shuffled to the door. The cold winter air rushed in the moment you opened the door, but it was nothing compared to the surprise in front of you.

“Simon?” you breathed.

Snow dusted his short blonde hair and rugged coat, his breath visible in the icy air. “Merry Christmas,” he said, his voice warm and familiar.

For a moment, you couldn’t move, then in the next, you threw your arms around him. His embrace was strong and steady, grounding you. “You’re really here,” you whispered.

“I couldn’t let you spend Christmas alone now, could I?” he replied, reaching into his pocket to pull out a small, crinkled box, which he quickly gave to you. Inside was a necklace with a heart-shaped locket, a tiny photo of the both of you from high school, laughing together inside. Tears welled in your eyes. “Simon, it’s perfect.”

“So even when I’m away, you’ll know I’m with you,” he said softly. You cupped his face with your free hand, smiling through your tears. “You’re the best Christmas gift I could ever ask for.”

He pressed his forehead to yours. “And you’re mine.” As snow continued to fall, love filled the apartment. That Christmas, you had everything you needed.