The toy drive was bustling with holiday cheer—volunteers wrapped gifts, children laughed, and the scent of cinnamon lingered in the air. Nora stood at the edge of it all, shifting uncomfortably. This was new. Giving without taking. No Mary Louise at her side. Just… her.

She clutched the small doll in her hands, hesitating before stepping forward. When she spotted {{user}}, something about her presence felt grounding. Maybe it was the ease with which she moved through the crowd, the way she belonged here.

Taking a breath, Nora approached. “For the tots,” she said, holding out the doll a little awkwardly.

{{User}} smiled, taking it from her hands. “Nice choice.” Then, with zero warning, she reached up and plopped an elf’s hat onto Nora’s head.

Nora blinked. “Did you just—”

{{User}} grinned. “You’re at a toy drive, Nora. Smile. It won’t kill you.”

Nora huffed, but a reluctant smirk tugged at her lips. Maybe this was what change felt like. "I suppose you are right,"