I read the words twice, then exhaled a breath I'd been holding for years. Just get through the holidays. Once the New Year passed, my new life would begin.
That night, I slept deeper than I had in a long time.
New Year's Eve arrived with a biting chill.
I'd fully prepared to spend the holiday alone in my rental apartment—bought a few groceries, resigned myself to the silence. Then my phone buzzed.
Mom and Dad.
I stared at the screen, finger hovering over decline. After a long pause, I swiped to answer.
"Hello?"
"Savannah?" Mom's voice was soft. Tentative. A tone I hadn't heard in years. "It's New Year's Eve... why haven't you come home?"
I stayed silent, gripping the phone.
She didn't get angry. Instead, she let out an awkward chuckle. "Come on, now. What family holds a grudge overnight? Angry words are spoken in the heat of the moment—are you really going to hold onto them for a lifetime?"
Dad chimed in, his usual bark replaced by a wheedling tone. "Your sister and brother-in-law are back. The whole family is here, except for you. The circle isn't complete without you, Savannah."
Mom's voice cracked. "You are my own flesh and blood. How could I bear to let you spend the holiday all alone? I love you and your sister equally. Please, come home."
I looked out the window. Fine snow had begun to drift down, dusting the gray streets in white. Downstairs, a family of four walked past under the streetlights—young parents laughing, each carrying a child, discussing dinner plans.
Perfect, ordinary warmth.
My vision blurred.
Who doesn't crave that? Who doesn't yearn for simple, genuine connection?
Give them one last chance.
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Okay."
The moment I stepped through the front door, the savory aroma of roast meat and spices enveloped me.
Lily and her husband answered the door.
"You finally came back!" Lily pulled me into a tight hug before I could react.
My brother-in-law took my coat immediately, then served me hot tea and sliced fruit.
Mom bustled out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. Her smile reached her eyes. "I'm so glad you're here. I made all your favorites today."
Tears stung my eyes again. For a moment, it felt real. Like the family I had always wanted.
Before I could settle in, Lily grabbed my arm. "Come with me. I have something for you."
She dragged me into the bedroom and produced an exquisite gift box. Inside lay a stunning red coat.