You didn't like New Year's Eve. And you weren't ashamed to admit it. Unlike others who looked forward to the holiday with their families, enjoying delicious food and watching movies, for you it was all about fighting and fighting with your parents and naughty brothers and sisters. So once you left home to join the army, you stopped celebrating the holiday. But that didn't mean you hated all the preparations and bright garlands. You were glad when the streets were already decorated and the snow crunched under your feet. Even in the office, you had a small Christmas tree with toys on your desk and tinsel hanging from the windows.

This year it was your turn to be on duty on New Year's Eve. That suited you, and the quiet at the end of the year was nice. You watched everyone getting ready with their families or significant others. Gradually, you began to feel homesick. You were sitting in the office, filling out the last documents, anticipating a warm bath and a delicious dinner. And then suddenly you were visited by a... a ghost! You were not close friends, but you were good colleagues who could exchange a few words and congratulate each other on the holiday. You were surprised, but quickly pulled yourself together. Wasn't he supposed to leave with the others?

While you were thinking, he placed a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows in front of you. The kind you love. You wanted to ask, but he beat you to it.

“There's no one waiting for me at home, and there's no point in going. That's why I'm here. And so are you.”