Chapter 23 - Preparing for the HolidaysThe air outside turned biting cold as November melted into December, bringing with it the unmistakable magic of the holiday season.
Unlike the previous year, which had been overshadowed by the shockwaves of our separation, our home was now radiating warmth, festivity, and joy. Ethan and I spent an entire Saturday decorating the house from top to bottom. We wrapped the staircase banister in pine garlands and twinkling white fairy lights, hung handmade paper snowflakes in every window, and set up a magnificent, seven-foot evergreen tree in the living room corner.
As Christmas carols played softly from the kitchen stereo, Ethan sat in his wheelchair near the tree, carefully placing his favorite blue glass ornament onto a sturdy lower branch.
“Do you think Santa is going to find us this year, Mom?” Ethan asked playfully, looking up at me with twinkling eyes.
“Are you kidding?” I laughed, walking over and handing him a shimmering silver star. “We’ve got the best house on the entire block. Santa won't miss us for the world.”
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For years, the winter holidays had been a stressful ordeal of forced smiles, rigid schedules, and walking on eggshells around Richard and Eleanor’s impossible demands. Standing there in our warm, beautifully decorated living room, watching the soft glow of the tree lights reflect in Ethan’s happy eyes, I realized what true holiday freedom felt like.
We didn't have to perform for anyone. We didn't have to earn our place at the table. We belonged right here, together, safe and completely loved.
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