ilies preparing for the holiday. Claire had a list of gifts to buy for Emma, along with a few small things for neig

k at toy displays in the shop windows while Claire and Jack walked at a slower pace. The st

ared?" Jack asked, glanci

ambling. I always promise myself I will s

ab whatever Noah points at and hope for the best. But

usting her scarf. "I try. Em

ing asked, teasing Claire when she tried to insist. At one point, he lifted a snow glo

een," he said, his vo

though they were standing inside that little world, everything outsid

uggested they stop at his house to wrap gifts toget

d ribbons were scattered across the floor, and the children eagerly set to work with tape and wrapping paper.

led every corner. For Claire, who had grown used to quiet evenings with just her and Emma, the sound of two ch

and Jack remained at the table, finishing the last few gifts. Jack

t look easy

e asked, g

ything. Emma is happy and ki

in her hands. "Most days I feel like I am just making i

table. Something unspoken lingered in the air,

d from the couch. "Dad,

shing a hand across the back of h

to be here, in this space, part of this small circle of warmth. And as the movie played and the glow of t