December arrived quietly, carrying a different kind of air with it. The mornings felt cooler, the evenings longer, and the world seemed wrapped in a soft, expectant stillness. Streets shimmered with festive lights, and distant carols drifted through open windows, reminding everyone that Christmas was near. ❄
In Anisa's parental home, the season returned, but not the joy that once filled it.
Her mother stood in the living room, carefully arranging ornaments on the Christmas tree. Every decoration was placed with practiced hands, yet her movements were slower now, burdened by memories. She paused as she lifted a small angel figurine, her fingers trembling slightly.
Anisa used to insist that the angel always went at the top. 🌟
Her father sat nearby, pretending to read the newspaper, though his eyes never moved across the page. The glow of the Christmas lights reflected faintly in his glasses, and behind them, memories stirred; Anisa laughing as a child, wrapping gifts clumsily, singing carols off-key yet fearlessly. 🎶
Kirana watched them both in silence.
She helped set the table for Christmas Eve, placing three plates instead of four, just as her father had instructed years ago. Yet her heart rebelled against the emptiness left behind. Every carol, every bell, echoed with her sister's absence.
They celebrated Christmas together that night, just the three of them. Prayers were whispered. Smiles were exchanged. Laughter tried to exist, but it never stayed long. 🍗
Each of them remembered a different Christmas with Anisa.
Her mother recalled warm hugs and whispered wishes before midnight.
Her father remembered lifting her onto his shoulders to place the star on the tree.
Kirana remembered sneaking chocolates together, sharing secrets under fairy lights.🍫
None of them spoke her name aloud.
Yet Anisa was everywhere, in the glow of candles, in the half-empty room, in the love that refused to fade despite distance and pride.
Outside, the December wind carried laughter from neighboring houses. Inside, three hearts quietly celebrated Christmas with a memory they could never let go of. ⛄