✴ Damien ✴
The laughter and chatter of the day began to shift into a quieter excitement as the children and their families gathered inside the youth center. The carnival had been a roaring success, and now it was time for the grand finale: the Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa. The air was alive with anticipation, the scent of pine mingling with the faint aroma of hot chocolate still clinging to the room. I leaned against the back wall as I watched everyone get settled into their spots around the enormous Christmas tree. Its twinkling lights cast a warm glow, illuminating the sea of excited faces. Kids whispered to one another, eyes darting toward the doors as they awaited Santa’s grand entrance. The youth center had never looked so festive. Scarlet ribbons wrapped around the railin
