Happy Xmas (War Is Over)—John Lennon & Yoko Ono

It was Christmas morning in Hawthorne House. You were the first one awake, rising early at 5:07.

You strolled down the stairs in your red flannel pajamas, a long sleeve shirt and straight pants.

You descended the grand stairs leisurely, feeling like you had all the time in the world.

But before visiting the living room, you stopped at the wine cellar first, pouring yourself a generous glass of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

You were going to need it in order to survive the festivities this morning.

After leaving the wine cellar, you walked to the living room, carrying your glass.

You spent some time just staring up at the luxurious but homey Christmas tree thinking, How very Hawthorne.

Once your vision began to blur, you turned around, shifting your gaze to the fireplace instead. Taking gluttonous sips of your wine, a lump began to form in your throat.

No matter how much you love the holiday season, Christmas morning will always hurt.

Your demeanor instantly changes when you feel his presence behind you. Feet away, you could feel him. Every bone in your body stiffened and every muscle tensed.

“First one awake, huh?” You hear him say from behind you. He comes closer, standing on your left in his timeless suit. His icy gray eyes aren’t tired at all, and his posture screams business as always.