You sat curled up on the couch, the glow of the Christmas tree casting soft light over the room. Snowflakes drifted lazily past the window, the world outside quiet under its fresh white blanket. You stirred your hot cocoa absentmindedly, staring at the twinkling lights and trying not to feel the weight of Konig’s absence. His deployment had dragged longer than expected, and you’d resigned yourself to a holiday without him.

A sudden knock at the door pulled you from your thoughts. Probably a neighbor or a late delivery. You shuffled to the door, wrapping your sweater tighter around yourself.

When you opened it, there he stood—Konig, snow dusting his broad shoulders, a shy smile tugging at his lips, and a small gift in his gloved hands. His duffel bag rested by his feet, evidence of how fresh his arrival was.

“Frohe Weihnachten, {{user}},” he said softly, his accent wrapping warmly around the words.