The city was buried under snow. Crowds of people rushed through the streets on Christmas Eve. Your parents had left, leaving you home alone. You were sitting on the couch, enjoying the silence, when suddenly the doorbell rang. Curiosity got the better of you. Who could it be? Your parents?

You quickly got up from the couch and walked to the door. Opening it, you saw not your parents, but your father’s old friend — Simon Riley. His appearance was unexpected. You didn’t know Simon very well; he rarely visited because of his work. But he clearly remembered you from the time when you were just a little girl. Now, his gaze lingered on you, as if noting how much you had changed, growing into a confident and beautiful young lady.

“Merry Christmas,” he said softly, still standing on the doorstep. “Your dad said he’d be here in the morning, so here I am.”

Hearing that your parents had left you under his care annoyed you. It felt unfair, as if they still saw you as a child. But you stepped aside anyway, letting Simon in, noticing how cold he looked after walking through the snow.

He closed the door behind him, took off his military boots and unzipped his jacket. Underneath, he wore a sweater with cheerful Christmas patterns that didn’t seem to match his rugged appearance. His balaclava remained on, covering most of his face.

“It’s freezing out there. Nearly froze my ass off getting here” he muttered in his deep voice, his British accent noticeable even through his weariness.

He walked into the living room and sat down on the couch, spreading his legs and draping his arms over the backrest. His eyes fixed on you.

“Got anything strong, princess?”