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"Hi, Nana! We made it." Shaun shouts, struggling to get to her through the snow. Mom kneels and pulls him into a bear hug, her love for him evident in every gesture.
We shed our coats and boots as we step into the warm house, following Mom to the living room. Dad and Ricky's parents are already seated by the fire, their faces alight as they have a conversation. The glow of the flames casts a warm light across the room, and the familiar strains of The Christmas Story movie play softly in the background.
As Ricky places his hand gently on the small of my back, he guides me through the doorway and into the living room. My father sets Shaun back onto his feet and strides over to us, enveloping me in a warm and tight embrace. "Hi, Doodlebug."
The news about Skylar’s actions had a profound impact on everyone in the family, but Dad seems to be taking it the hardest. He carries a deep sense of guilt and regret because he wasn't there to prevent what happened. Dad always wears his heart on his sleeve, just like Shaun, and his emotions are visible for all to see. Despite his pain, he tries to stay strong for the rest of us, but it is clear that he is struggling to come to terms with the horrendous attack that has befallen our family.
I embrace my father, offering him comfort as he holds me. "Hi, Daddy," I say softly, assuring him everything is alright.
Sheri, Ricky’s mom envelopes me in a warm hug. "Hi, sweetheart," she whispers, her voice soft and soothing.
I turn to Maverick. "Let's grab the presents from the car," I suggest.
Maverick nods in agreement. "Sure thing, I'll be right back." Before leaving, he leans in to give me a gentle kiss on the forehead. When he returns, we place the colorful wrapped gifts under the tree.
The whole family gathers around the tall, green tree adorned with colorful lights and ornaments to exchange gifts. "Shaun, it's your turn to play Santa," Mom announces with a smile.
Shaun's face immediately lights up like the bright and twinkling lights on the Christmas tree. "Okay," he says excitedly and dashes over to the tree to pick out the first present. He quickly hands out the wrapped gifts to each of us. The floor is soon covered in a colorful sea of wrapping paper, shiny bows, and neatly wrapped presents of all shapes and sizes, making the room look like a festive wonderland.
After the gift exchange, we sit at the long, wooden table decorated with a festive red and green tablecloth and sparkling silverware. The aroma of roasted ham and mashed potatoes wafts through the air, making my stomach rumble. We share stories and laugh at old family jokes. The warmth of the dinner and the love of our family make the chilly winter weather outside seem far away, and we bask in the coziness of the moment, eating cookies and drinking hot cocoa in the living room.
"Mom?" Shaun climbs onto my lap, already in his holiday pajamas. "Can you sing for us?" he asks softly.
I notice Maverick walking toward me, carrying my acoustic guitar. As he hands it over to me, I feel the smooth texture of the wooden body and the weight of the instrument in my hands. I carefully place the guitar strap over my shoulder, adjust the tuning, and positioned it comfortably on my lap.
I carefully pluck the strings to ensure each note flows seamlessly into the next. My fingers dance across the fretboard as I begin to strum a few chords, and before I know it, the room is filled with the sweet melody of "Silent Night." My heart swells with joy as I sing each word, the warm glow of the Christmas lights casting a soft glow on Shaun’s face. Moving on to the next song, I sing "Have yourself a Merry Christmas" with just as much passion as the first, pouring my heart and soul into every word. Finally, I play Shaun's favorite song, "Snowman" by Sia, delivering each verse with a sense of pure happiness and delight.
As the night slowly comes to an end, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the precious moments we spent with our family. Even though Seth, who was constantly on my mind, couldn't join us, his memory continued to live on throughout the night, bringing a sense of comfort and joy to our hearts.
CHANNEL 7 NEWS
News Anchor Jane:Good evening, viewers. I'm your host, and tonight, we have a rather chilling story to tell you. In recent days, the world has been reeling from the shocking crimes committed by a once-beloved actress, Skylar.
Reporter John:That's right. Skylar, a renowned actress known for her talent and charm, has shocked her fans and the public alike with a string of heinous acts that have left many questioning her true nature.
News Anchor Jane:Absolutely, John. It seems she went to great lengths to hurt her own family and others, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake.
Reporter John: Yes, Jane, it's truly disturbing. Skylar's actions included blackmail, corrupting another with drugs, aggravated sexual abuse, and murder.
News Anchor Jane:Unimaginable, John. Just when we thought we knew someone, it turns out they were harboring such darkness within. But the story takes an even darker turn. Skylar's rampage came to a tragic end when she was shot and killed by the police at the hospital while visiting her half-sister. Skylar's death raises even more questions. What could have driven her to commit these horrific acts? Could underlying issues or personal demons have gone unnoticed by those closest to her?
Reporter John:That's the million-dollar question, Jane. As the investigation continues, authorities will be piecing together Skylar's motives and unraveling the intricate web of events that led to her downfall. In the meantime, we can only hope that her family finds some sense of solace and healing.
News Anchor Jane:Absolutely, John. Our hearts go out to Scar’s family and all those affected by Skylar’s actions. Thank you for joining us, and please stay safe out there.
Reporter John:Thank you, Jane. To our viewers at home, we will continue to update this breaking story as more information becomes available. Stay tuned.
WILLOW OAKS GAZETTE
Young Lawyer Faces Up to 25 Years in Prison.
We bring you the story of Cole Lawton, a young lawyer arrested for alleged crimes. Cole Lawton, a 23-year-old attorney, was taken into custody after a series of allegations against him surfaced. Law enforcement authorities have accused him of two counts of rape and willfully threatening to kill or injure someone.
I spoke with some of Cole Lawton's colleagues and associates to better understand his character. Many described him as a dedicated and ambitious lawyer well-respected in the legal community. However, some individuals expressed shock and disbelief upon hearing the news of his arrest.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, Cole Lawton's defense team has remained steadfast in their commitment to representing their client's interests. However, the absence of a statement from Cole Lawton's father, Nickolas Lawton, has raised questions about the family's response to the unfolding legal proceedings.
As the details of the case continue to unfold, it is evident that this situation has cast a shadow over the professional integrity of lawyers and the trust placed in them by their clients and peers. We will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information comes to light.
