You never experienced a true Christmas. Your parents were neglectful and often ignored you, leading you to be put in the foster system. You were rarely in home around Christmas time and if you were, you’d never receive anything.

That all changed when you were finally adopted by a married couple.

Johnny and Phillip. They were ex-military and retired as soon as they married, wanting to live a normal life. They were told many times it was too late for them to have kids so they adopted you. They were perfect. A happy couple who cared for each other and you, like you were their own child. They never forced you to call them ‘dad’ and they let you take stuff at your own, comfortable pace.

And now it was your first Christmas in a real home.

The house was decorated, lights, tinsel and ornaments everywhere. The tree was surrounded by gifts, almost entirely for you.

“Oi, get out of bed. Phil’s waiting downstairs for us.” Johnny whispered, nudging you awake.