MINAH sat quietly on the soft, long sofa in their spacious living room, clutching a framed photo of her parents, her gaze lingering on it. Now, her eyes drifted to the Christmas tree in the corner. For a moment, she found solace in the twinkling lights and vibrant decorations. Despite the heaviness in her heart, she didn’t want her sadness to weigh down the warm atmosphere of their home.
December was just a few days away, but her parents wouldn’t be around to see it. What should’ve been the happiest time of the year felt unbearably empty. They had passed away too soon, even before the holiday season began. No matter how much she tried, she couldn’t summon any trace of Christmas spirit.
“How long are you planning to lock yourself in here, Minah?”
She glanced listlessly at Asher, who had
