A Christmas Love Story
In a small town square shimmered under strings of golden lights, and the scent of hot cocoa drifted through the chilly December air. Mia tightened her scarf, watching couples glide across the ice rink while she stood alone, pretending she wasn’t waiting for someone.
It had been three years since she last saw Ethan, her childhood best friend, her almost-love, the boy who left the city without saying goodbye. Every Christmas since then felt a little dimmer.
But tonight felt different. Maybe it was the lights. Maybe it was the way snow began to fall softly, like the sky whispering a secret.
“Mia?”
She froze.
That voice.
Turning slowly, she found Ethan standing behind her, hands tucked awkwardly in his coat pockets, eyes filled with the same warmth she remembered.
“You came back,” she breathed.
“I had to,” Ethan said softly. “I left without telling you why. I thought leaving would help me forget… but it didn’t.”
Mia’s heart thudded. “Forget what?”
“You.”
The word hung between them, fragile and warm all at once.
He stepped closer. “I realized something every Christmas since I left. No lights felt bright enough, no snow felt magical enough, because you weren’t there. I should’ve told you then… but I’m telling you now.”
Mia swallowed, her breath turning white in the cold air. “So what happens now?”
Ethan offered his hand, giving a shy smile. “How about we start with a dance? Like old times.”
Her fingers slid into his — familiar, safe, electric.
He pulled her gently toward the center of the square, where music played softly, blending with laughter and falling snow.
They swayed, slow and uncertain at first, then comfortable, as if three years hadn’t passed at all.
“Mia,” he whispered, forehead brushing hers, “this time… I’m not leaving. Not unless you tell me to.”
She smiled, eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Then stay. Christmas feels warmer with you.”
Snow fell heavier, wrapping them in a white curtain as Ethan leaned in, sealing years of longing with a kiss — gentle, hopeful, full of promises.
And for the first time in years, Christmas felt like magic again.
Thanks for reading.
