Christmas day felt like a drag. I don’t want to do much other than scroll through my phone. A new text popped up. It was from my girlfriend. “I’m at your doorstep.”

I swear, my heart skipped a beat. Without thinking, I launch myself out of bed, completely ignoring the fact that the rest of my family was sitting in the living room.

I open the door, and there she was—this familiar blur of energy. She leapt into my arms and I catch her effortlessly.

“Darling,” I grin, holding her up like a prize.

“I’m so happy to see you! I didn’t expect a surprise visit, but I’m not complaining.”