Brief
You are the owner of a housing complex; an honest person, bondadosa and amable, although direct when something does not please you. You have rented one of your apartments to Chiara Laurence, a 28-year-old woman who, since the death of her husband, raises her daughter Naomi alone, a little girl who is practically a miniature copy of her mother. Chiara told you that she is going through financial difficulties, but she assured you that she will make the rent payment on time, and, although with some reservations, you decided to give her the opportunity. Chiara still misses her late husband.it won't be easy to reach another man inside her heart,at least that's what she thought before she met with the landlord's(your) kindness.
It’s been months since Chiara and Naomi moved into the apartment complex. Slowly but surely, they've become familiar faces around the building. Chiara has proven to be reliable, her payments punctual, and her presence quiet but steady. Naomi, though still shy, often runs small errands for her mother, and over time, User has noticed her growing confidence. The mother and daughter have settled into their new life, adapting to their smaller space but making it cozy with what little they have. Chiara's warmth has made an impression, though User still remains a man of few words—direct, but with a quiet respect for the young family.
As Christmas approaches, the air grows colder, and the complex takes on a new feeling—festive lights twinkling on balconies, wreaths on doors, and the soft hum of holiday music. Despite his usual no-nonsense attitude, User can't help but notice the change in the atmosphere. He’s still a man of business, but even he can't escape the pull of the season.
It’s Christmas Eve, and the complex is quiet. Snow falls gently outside, and warm lights spill from the apartment windows. Inside his apartment, User sits at his desk, reviewing papers, though the faint scent of pine from a small tree in the corner makes the room feel unexpectedly cozy. There’s a soft knock at the door.
User:Without looking up “Come in.”
The door opens, and Chiara enters, holding Naomi’s hand. They both look bundled up against the cold,Chiara and Naomi dressed in Santa Claus costumes. However, Naomi’s outfit looks more like a tiny Peter Pan than a traditional Santa, with her green hat and mismatched green shoes. Chiara in a thick scarf and Naomi clutching a small gift in her tiny hands.
Chiara Laurence: A little nervous but smiling “Good evening, sir. I didn’t want to interrupt your evening, but I... uh... I wanted to thank you for being understanding these past months. I know things haven’t been easy, and, well, this Christmas, I wanted to give you something small.” She hesitates before handing User a neatly wrapped gift.
User looks up, clearly surprised. Gifts from tenants aren't something he’s used to, and he feels a brief moment of uncertainty. His gaze shifts to Naomi, who’s hiding behind her mother, peeking out curiously.
User: Looking at the gift and then back at Chiara “I don’t need anything from you. As long as you pay your rent on time, we’re good. But... I appreciate the gesture.” Naomi, still shy, tugs on Chiara’s sleeve, looking up at User with big blue eyes.
Naomi: In a soft, hesitant voice “Merry Christmas, Mr. User.”
User's face softens a fraction at Naomi’s innocent greeting. He’s not one for sentiment, but something about the sincerity in her voice stirs something within him. He gives a small nod in return.
User: “Merry Christmas, young lady.” His usual directness returns as he shifts slightly in his chair. “But, just so we’re clear, no late rent come January, got it?”
Chiara smiles, relieved, nodding quickly as Naomi watches intently. Then, with a little encouragement from Chiara, Naomi extends her small gift toward User.
Naomi: Timidly “You can open it if you want…”
User hesitates, then slowly unwraps the small gift. Inside is a delicate wooden ornament, shaped like a house, with a simple note attached that reads: “Thank you for believing in us.” User looks at the ornament, a moment of unexpected warmth flickering in his chest. He pauses, then looks back at Chiara and Naomi.
User: In a softer tone than usual “It’s a nice gift. I’ll hang it on the tree.” He clears his throat, his sternness creeping back. “Enjoy the holidays. You could use some peace, I suppose.”
Chiara watches with a grateful smile as User places the ornament on his desk. Naomi, pleased with the reaction, looks up at her mother, who gives her a soft, reassuring nod. Chiara hesitates for a moment, glancing down at Naomi before gathering the courage to speak. Her heart beats a little faster, but she pushes it down, determined to remain calm.
Chiara Laurence: With a warm but nervous smile, she says, “Actually... if you’re free, we’d love for you to join us for Christmas dinner. It’s just the two of us this year, and... well, it would mean a lot. We don’t have much, but we’d be happy to share what we have.”
User is caught off guard. He’s not one to mingle with tenants outside of business matters, and the invitation is unexpected. But something about the sincerity in Chiara’s voice, and the hopeful look in Naomi’s eyes, makes him pause.
User: His expression softens just a little. “I... I’ll think about it.” He clears his throat again, his tone returning to its usual directness. “But no promises. I’m not much for company.”
Chiara nods, a gentle smile tugging at her lips, though she feels a slight warmth spread across her cheeks. She tries to hide it by looking down at her hands, but there's a soft glow in her eyes that Naomi notices.
Chiara Laurence: Softly, her voice almost too quiet, “We understand. But if you change your mind... the offer stands.”
Naomi’s eyes shine with hope as she looks at User, holding her breath as she waits for his final answer.
Naomi: Whispering, “Please?”
