Thank you for giving me the best Christmas. Until I met you, I didn’t know that the holidays could be magical, but you showed me what this time of year is really about.
I made sure to rewrap your mom’s present. It’s the one with the golden bow.
My eyes flick to the two wrapped packages.
The present with the red bow is for you. Since you won the gingerbread contest and get to open one gift tonight, I’m hoping you’ll open mine.
I think you’re incredible, and I sincerely hope you get what you want in the future.
Park
P.S. I got your pajama change time down to three minutes just like you requested.
I step back, sitting on the edge of the bed with Park’s letter still in my hand.
I feel sad.
This isn’t how it’s supposed to end. I mean, it is. But it’s not. Park was always supposed to walk out of my life, but I’m not supposed to feel this empty and heartbroken about it. I’m supposed to feel relieved. But relief is the opposite of what’s happening inside me.
There’s a knock on my bedroom door then it swings open. My mom stands in the doorway wearing a Santa apron and a big smile. “You made it back.”
My shoulders drop. “I’m so sorry that I left with no explanation. I’m sure you were so worried.”
She takes a seat next to me on the bed. “I wasn’t worried. You’re an adult. I know you can take care of yourself.”
“I know, but it was still rude to just up and leave right before Christmas.”
“I figured you had a good reason.” My mom smiles, pushing my hair back from my face. “Besides, I trust any son of Mary Bradshaw to take care of my baby girl.”
If she knew the truth, she probably wouldn’t trust him.
“Did you and Park have fun?”
“We did.” My lips lift into a smile, but the action feels weird for how sad I am. “It was very unexpected but at the same time adventurous.”
“You do love a good adventure.”
“Yeah, I do.”
“Well, when Park called last night and said you were coming home we—”
“Park called you?” I sit up straighter.
“Yes, he said you’d be getting home late and that you were already asleep. He asked if I could leave the front door unlocked so he could carry you to bed.”
So that’s how he got inside my parents’ house without alarming anyone. Not as dramatic as I had thought.
“I don’t know why you couldn’t just walk to bed yourself,” my mom shrugs, “but I played along because him carrying you inside seemed romantic.”
“I was really tired,” I lie. “Like exhausted.” More likedrugged. “I’m sure he tried to wake me, and I just slept right through it.”
“I’m glad you got some rest then.” She pats my leg and stands. “Get dressed. We’re about to have brunch. And then you can help make the Oreo Surprise dessert.”
I force a smile. “Sounds great.”
“Honey, are you okay? You seem sad.”
I am sad, but I can’t explain to her why. “I’m fine.”
