you added another log to the ongoing fire as you sat around it, alongside with your cat. it was the 25th, but it truly didn’t feel like it.

the day went by quick, you went to your parents house and celebrated with your family. you watched your nieces and nephews open their Christmas gifts, shouting out with glee when they unwrapped the certain toy they wanted.

now you sat at you house, feeling the emptiness afterwards. you were in your sophomore year of college, and you were still alone. you watched your siblings life go just the way they wanted, finding the love of their lives, getting a good job, and having children. it was almost like they were taunting what you didn’t have.

you sighed as your cat crawled over to you, getting into your lap. you smiled slightly as you looked down at her, petting her gently.

“hi baby,” you said, your tone higher pitch as you ran your fingers through her fur. she purred at you as you continued.

your phone dinged, and you picked it up. who was texting you at 8:30pm on christmas? don’t people have families to celebrate with?

you checked the contact who sent you that, seeing the unsaved number. you recognized the number however, you thought you blocked him.

??? merry christmas, {{user}}

you began typing to the number, already knowing it’s Kei.

{{user}} merry christmas Kei. please don’t call.