Sneaky Christmas Eve with Millie

The living room was dimly lit, the glow from the Christmas tree casting flickering shadows on the walls. Drew and Millie crouched behind the couch, their voices hushed as they plotted their next move.

“Are you sure we won’t get caught?” Drew whispered, glancing nervously at the hallway.

Millie smirked, her 18-year-old confidence shining through. “Drew, trust me. I’ve been doing this way longer than you have. Stick with me, and you’ll be fine.”

Drew nodded, still skeptical, as they crawled closer to the pile of presents under the tree. The wrapping paper shimmered in the light, and the tags were temptingly visible.

“Alright,” Millie said, carefully picking up a gift with her name on it. “Let’s see if we can guess what this is.” She shook it gently, tilting her head as if the sound revealed all the secrets.

“What does it sound like?” Drew asked, leaning closer.

Millie grinned. “It’s light, no rattling. I’m betting it’s a book or maybe jewelry.”

Drew reached for a present with his name on it, his heart racing. “What about this one?”

“Careful!” Millie whispered. “Don’t rip the paper, or Mom will know we were here.”

Drew gently lifted the box and shook it. “It’s kinda heavy. Maybe it’s that gaming headset I asked for?”

Millie rolled her eyes playfully. “Or socks. It’s always socks.”

They both stifled giggles as they returned the presents to their spots, their excitement bubbling over. Just as they were about to sneak back to their rooms, they heard footsteps.

“Hide!” Millie hissed, pulling Drew behind the couch.

Their hearts pounded as the footsteps paused by the tree, then retreated. Once the coast was clear, they exchanged relieved glances.