My husband never gave me gifts, like, EVER! For years I felt like I was just his maid. I cleaned up after him, made his breakfast, ran around like crazy. For what? No thank yous, no sweet words, like, NOTHING. I had to buy myself presents to decorate the Chrismast tree.

At exactly 10 a.m., a soft knock came at the window near the tree. I hurried over, pushing the window open. “Roy!” I greeted.

“Your delivery is here, Mrs. Margaret,” Roy said with a grin, handing me a package through the window.

I chuckled, taking the package. “And what’s this?” I asked as Roy handed me a second item—a small ornament shaped like Santa.

“For you,” Roy said with a smile.

“Oh my goodness, it’s beautiful! Thank you!” Margaret exclaimed, holding it up to admire.

“You act like no one’s ever given you a gift,” Roy said. “Doesn’t Simon spoil you?”

“Simon doesn’t like giving gifts. He says I should just buy what I want. Surprises aren’t really his thing.”

“Christmas is coming up. Surely he’s got something planned?”

“I bought myself a gift,” I said quietly. “It’s fine.”

I turned the ornament over in my hands, a soft smile returning to my face.

“This reminds me of my childhood. When I was in school, my best friend and I used to decorate the Christmas tree together. This was our favorite ornament.”

“What school did you go to?” Roy asked.

“Oakwood Valley High School,” I replied.

Roy’s expression shifted. His face paled, and he looked momentarily frozen.

“I have to go,” he said abruptly.

“Alright. Thanks for the delivery. See you next Wednesday!”.

I closed the window, holding the ornament tightly. Evening fell, and the house grew quieter with each passing hour.

I sat on the couch, glancing at the clock every few minutes.

The wrapped presents beneath the tree stared back at me, reminders of the effort I had poured into making the holiday special.

I reached for her phone again and dialed Simon’s number.

The phone rang and rang until, finally, he picked up, yelling, “I’m busy! CAN’T YOU JUST LEAVE ME ALONE ALREADY?!”

I sat on the floor, crying like crazy. But as I walked over to close the window, I noticed a strange box under the Christmas tree. I had wrapped all the gifts, and this one wasn’t there before.

So, I opened the box, and I just froze.

Inside, I found an old friendship bracelet.

Tears filled my eyes as memories flooded back—laughter in the schoolyard, whispered secrets, promises exchanged under a tree.

I hurried to my jewelry box, fumbling to retrieve my own matching bracelet. They were identical.

I unfolded the note tucked beneath the bracelet.

“I’ll be waiting for you where we made our promise.”

I knew exactly where that was.

I glanced around the empty house.

Wiping my tears, I grabbed my coat, clutching the bracelets tightly. For the first time in years, I felt a spark of something I thought I’d lost—hope.

Without looking back, I stepped out into the night.

The taxi slowed to a stop in front of the old school. This place looked the same, yet different, like a memory blurred by time.

At the door, an elderly guard stepped into view, “Who are you?” he asked.

“Sorry, my name is Margaret,” I said quickly. “I know this is strange, but I need to go inside!”.

The guard’s eyes softened, and a small smile tugged at his lips.

“Go ahead, Margaret. His waiting for you,” he said, pushing the door open with a nod.

I stepped inside, my boots echoing softly in the empty hallway. Following the faint glow ahead, I entered the assembly hall.

A tall Christmas tree stood in the center of the room, glowing warmly with twinkling lights and ornaments.

“Hi,” a voice called out softly.

I turned sharply, her breath catching as Roy stepped out from behind the tree. His familiar smile made my chest tighten.

“It was you!?” she gasped. “You sent me the bracelet? You’re the boy from school? But his name was Michael!”

Roy chuckled softly. “Sorry for the confusion. I have a double name. My parents always called me Michael, but in high school, everyone knew me as Roy.”

I shook my head, tears welling up. “How did I not recognize you? I can’t believe it.”

“It’s been years,” Roy said, his tone gentle. “I didn’t recognize you either, not until you mentioned the school and the ornament.”

“All these years… You kept the bracelet?” she whispered.

“Of course,” he said, smiling. “I made a promise.”

I looked at him, my emotions swirling. Tears spilled over, but I turned my face away as if ashamed. “I can’t…”

“Why?” Roy asked, stepping closer.

“I have to go home,” I said softly. “Simon will be back soon.”

Roy’s expression darkened.

“But he doesn’t love you, Margaret. You know that. Do you really want to stay with someone who doesn’t see you?”

My lips quivered. “I don’t know… It feels wrong.”

Roy reached for me, his arms wrapping around my trembling frame. “I know, Margaret. I’ve always known.

We almost lost each other, but I can’t let that happen again.”

His gaze held mine, unspoken promises in his eyes. Slowly, he leaned in. I hesitated, my mind warring with my heart.

But then, for the first time in years, I chose myself. I leaned toward him, meeting his kiss.

For that moment, the world outside faded. I felt warmth—not from the glowing tree, but from a love I had almost forgotten was possible.

It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t easy. But it was real. And for now, that was enough.