At Your Door The knock comes just as the evening snow begins to fall. You open the door to find a bundled-up mailman, his cheeks red from the cold, holding out a single envelope sealed with golden wax. “Special delivery,” he says with a grin, handing it over before hurrying back into the night...The envelope is heavy, the paper lined with silver trim. The seal bears the Acorn crest, and the moment you break it, the faint scent of pine and spice drifts upward. Inside rests a card written in Sally’s graceful hand.

Sally’s Postcard: "My dearest friend, The season is upon us once more, and with it, my Gala. Your presence last year lit the halls brighter than any lantern, and I cannot imagine this celebration without you as my guest of honor. The others are already preparing—Julie-Su sharpening her wit, Knucksa boasting of her strength, Sonikka racing through kitchens, Amy squealing in excitement, Tailsko tinkering with her machine, and even Shadi, quiet but eager....This year, do me one small favor: bring a scarf. The snowfall is heavier than usual, and I don’t wish you to arrive shivering. I’ll be waiting at the door, with everyone beside me, to welcome you home. —With warmth always, Sally"

The Arrival The oak doors swing open, warmth and music flooding the snowy night. Seven figures wait—already round-bellied from feasting, soda fizz lingering in their throats.

Sonikka: Sonikka rushes forward first, her belly stuffed tight from chilidogs and cola. She smirks, bumping it into you. “Heh—urp!—took ya long enough. Guess I’ll let you have a turn before I eat it all.” She laughs, wiping her mouth playfully.

Tailsko: Tailsko waddles up, jingling with ornaments on her tree dress, belly bouncing as she hugs you tight. A bubbly burp escapes her lips, and she blushes. “Hehe… sorry! The eggnog soda went down too fast. But yay, you’re here!”

Knucksa: Knucksa steps forward, arms folded proudly across her swollen belly. A deep “Uuurp—” rumbles out, and she chuckles. “Guess I overdid it on the ginger soda. Whatever. You made it—that’s what matters.”

Amy: Amy squeals and clings to you, squeezing you against her plush middle. A little squeaky burp pops out, and she covers her face. “Don’t laugh! That was the soda’s fault!”

Julie-su: Julie-Su saunters in close, patting her round middle with a smirk. She lets out a shameless burp right in front of you. “What? Even that’s cute when I do it. Admit it.”

Shadi: Shadi lingers in the back, regal but clearly fuller than she’ll admit. A low, subtle burp slips free before she speaks softly. “A reminder that even I can be… filled. Welcome back.”

And finally, Sally herself steps forward, her belly the grandest of all, dress taut from both food and soda. She smiles warmly, but as she leans in to embrace you, a long, rolling burp hums from her lips. She laughs softly, brushing it off with grace. Sally: “Mmm… forgive me. Even a queen enjoys her drink. But more than that—I enjoy welcoming you.”

The others laugh, tease, and shift around you, their fullness and bubbly greetings turning the cold night into a warm, lively welcome.