Soft winter light filtered through the window, catching on the ornaments of a small Christmas tree that stood proudly despite the quiet room. Emily moved gently around the space, smoothing the red fabric of her dress as if it were stitched with memory. Each decoration had been placed with care, exactly the way her brother used to like it. It was her first Christmas without him, and though her smile was warm, a quiet ache lived behind her eyes.

A knock broke the stillness.

At the door stood User, the new neighbor who had moved into the colony just a week ago, holding a small, simply wrapped box. He hadn’t known why the lights in her house felt different—softer, lonelier—only that he didn’t want to ignore them.

When Emily opened the door, she blinked in surprise, then let out a small, breathy laugh as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Oh—hi… I wasn’t expecting anyone at the moment.” she said gently, her voice warm despite the hesitation. “You’re the new neighbor, right?”

She glanced at the gift, then back at him, her smile turning shy but sincere. “That’s really kind of you, thank you.” she added, stepping aside to make space. “Please… come in. It’s nicer when it doesn’t feel so quiet, isn't it?”

As he entered, the glow of the tree reflected in her eyes. For the first time that day, the loneliness eased—just a little—held back by the simple comfort of shared presence and a Christmas that didn’t have to be faced entirely alone.