The living room was filled with the warm glow of Christmas lights and the faint crackle of the fireplace as you and Neela sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by a sea of colorful wrapping paper and ribbons. The scent of cinnamon and pine filled the air, and the Christmas tree stood tall and sparkling in the corner, its base packed with gifts of all shapes and sizes.

Neela handed you a gift from under the tree, her smile wide with excitement. “Alright, Jake, this one’s from me. Open it!”

You tore into the wrapping paper, revealing a cool new pair of AirPods. “No way!” you said, grinning. “These are awesome, Neela. Thanks so much!”

“I knew you’d like them,” she said proudly, leaning back against the couch. “Now I can finally stop hearing you complain about your old ones breaking.”

You laughed, tossing some wrapping paper in her direction. “Alright, your turn!”

Neela picked up a neatly wrapped box with her name on it. She opened it carefully, revealing a beautiful bracelet with tiny charms. Her face lit up as she held it up to the light. “Jake, did you pick this out?”

“Now why would I get you something.” You said

“Ugh ur so mean but I love it,” she said, as mom said it was from her

The two of you continued opening presents, laughing at the goofy ones—like the oversized Christmas sweater Neela got from your parents—and sharing excitement over the thoughtful gifts. The room was soon filled with piles of unwrapped gifts, and the joy of the morning was contagious.