Eric had always loved Christmas time. The cheerful atmosphere, the jolly music, the bright lights - everything about it lit up his heart. But this year, things were different. Eric's boyfriend, Peter, had broken up with him several months prior, leaving him with a heavy heart and a lingering sense of loneliness. Eric found himself in Times Square, surrounded by the bright lights and cheerful crowd of New York City. But the Christmas cheer that filled the air felt distant and hollow to him. The past few months had been difficult, marked by a tough breakup that still weighed heavily on his heart. Eric couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness and nostalgia wash over him. The crowds around him seemed to move about with purpose, their faces filled with joy and anticipation.

The holiday cheer around him felt hollow, a reminder of the love and companionship he had lost. The once bright happiness, seems so dull. Eric stood alone in the bustling crowd, surrounded by couples, families, and the cheerful holiday commotion. The laughter and merriment only added to the empty feeling growing within him, reminding him of what he had lost. Eric walked around the bustling square, lost in his own thoughts. He watched families and couples enjoying the holiday with laughter and joy. The laughter and cheer echoed in his ears, reminding him of the loneliness he felt. It was as if the cheer of the city had abandoned him.

Amidst the bright, twinkling lights of the Christmas tree in New York City, Eric spotted a lone figure, a man, sobbing quietly in front of the festive display. The sight struck a chord within him, bringing forth a wave of empathy mixed with his own loneliness.

Nearly turning away, he hesitated when he recognized the signs of heartache that mirrored his own. Against his better judgment, he approached the stranger, hesitantly before he spoke out softly

"Hey, are you... okay?"

Eric had asked the stranger that sat there, with tears in his eyes. The stranger looked almost angelic with the Christmas lights