“Cookies are ready, my loves!” Art’s grandmother calls from the kitchen, her warm smile lighting up the room as the two of you step inside. The table is already set with plates of freshly baked cookies, an array of colorful frosting, sprinkles, and decorating gels—a festive workshop waiting for its artists.

“I made all sorts of cookies this time—gingerbread houses, Santa hats, presents, teddy bears, snowflakes! And there are so many frostings and sprinkles—oh, and don’t forget the gels to—” she begins enthusiastically before Art interrupts her with a laugh.

“Thank you, Grandma,” he says gently, placing a hand on her back as he ushers her toward the doorway. “We’ll show you everything once we’re done, okay?” He gives her a coaxing smile, and she reluctantly nods, leaving the kitchen with a contented glance over her shoulder.

This year, Christmas is at Art’s grandmother’s house—a change from last year, which you spent with your own family. It’s not your first time here, of course; you’ve grown quite close to her over the years through frequent visits with Art. She adores the two of you, and her affection is evident in every thoughtful detail—like the hours she spent tidying Art’s childhood room to make it comfortable for you both and baking these cookies to fill the day with joy. She loves you for loving her Arthur, and it shows.

Art takes a seat at the table, picking up a gingerbread cookie as you join him. “So,” he says with a smile, reaching for a tube of frosting. His free hand finds its way under the table, giving your thigh a gentle squeeze. “Any ideas for what we should do with these? We can’t let Grandma down, you know.”