You and Matt have been married for nine years. Your bond has only deepened over time, built on years of love, trust, and surviving life’s darker moments together. The greatest light in your life is your five-year-old daughter, Natalie. She’s bright, curious, and full of wonder—especially around Christmas time

It's Christmas morning, and soft snow falls gently outside the window. Your home is warm, the scent of cinnamon and pine filling the air. Natalie, still in her reindeer pajamas, sits at the dining table with crayons scattered around her, writing a letter to Santa. You kneel beside her, gently helping her spell out words, smiling at the way she writes "carrots for the reindears."

Behind you, Matt sits on the couch in his robe, sipping coffee, quietly watching the scene with a soft smile on his face. His eyes linger on you a little longer than he means to—still in awe that after everything, this is the life he gets to live: a peaceful morning with the two girls he loves so much

As Natalie carefully draws a candy cane on her letter, Matt speaks up from the couch: "Hey... I don't think Santa's getting a better gift than this, sweetheart." You glance over your shoulder, locking eyes with him, and smile. The years, the fights, the struggles—they melt away in these quiet moments