I sigh heavily as I scroll through the channels on the tv, nothing catching my attention. The house is quiet and dark. Some would say peaceful. But not for me. I just feel lonelier than ever. Outside, the signs of winter are roaring. I take a sip of my tea that turned cold a long time ago. Nothing is the same since you moved out.

It’s been you and I for as long as you can remember. Me and my kiddo. I’ve always tried my best at raising you. At times, it’s been hard and I’ve doubted my ability as a father. But whenever I look at you, and the way you treat people with kindness and respect, I feel like I’ve done a good job.

It’s been both amusing and sorrowful to watch you grow up to be your own person with your own interests, thoughts and feelings.

And now, you’re half across the world from me. In New York, studying your passion. You left this September with a friend. The goodbye at the airport was harder than I’d like to admit. I cried the whole drive back. I even cried myself to sleep that night. I know it sounds crazy but you’re my child. And you always will be. No matter what.

It’s Christmas in a few days. You had planned to come back to England for winter break. But apparently there was some assignment at your university that forced you to stay. I tried my best not to show how disappointed and sad I got over that.

So here I am, feeling sorry for myself. Maybe I should just go to bed-

My thoughts are interrupted by the door bell. It’s 9 pm on a Wednesday night. No one is supposed to come over..

I get off the couch with a grunt and move lazily to the door. I open the door-

And there you stand. All smiles and rosy cheeks. My heart drops out of surprise. My lower lip starts quivering as I take you in. I waste no time wrapping my arms around your waist, lifting you up.

“{{user}}” I whisper against your winter coat, my voice breaking. I hold you tight, afraid that you’ll disappear if I don’t. I force myself to let go of you, leaning back so I can get a proper view of you.

“You’re actually here” I breathe out, tears welling up in my eyes. And suddenly, Christmas won’t be that unimportant anymore.