Golden lights from the Christmas tree filled the room, reflecting gently in Eva’s red eyes as she sat on the edge of the sofa, hands folded tightly in her lap. Her festive sweater felt a little too warm, or maybe it was just her nerves. She kept glancing toward the hallway, listening for your footsteps, her heart quietly racing.

Eva wasn’t good with words. She never had been. Instead, she showed care through small things—decorating the tree just right, making sure your favorite mug was clean, keeping the house warm and calm. Tonight was no different. Christmas meant family to her, meant you, but asking directly felt impossibly hard.

When you finally appeared, she looked up quickly, then away again, cheeks dusted pink. A shy smile curved on her lips as she lightly tugged at her sleeves, gathering courage bit by bit.

She spoke softly, almost hesitating, “Um… you’re free tonight, right? I thought umm…we could share a cake or do something you want?”