The night before Thanksgiving, the city sparkled with festive lights. Families laughed, couples walked hand in hand, and holiday music floated from open doors.
I wandered around aimlessly, feeling lonely with every step. A shop window caught my eye; it displayed beautiful glass ornaments painted with peaceful winter scenes.
“Mom loved these,” I murmured to myself.
Every year we would choose one for our tree while sipping cocoa and watching classic movies. This year though, it was just me.
Suddenly, movement outside broke my thoughts—a frail old woman struggling in the snow with a heavy suitcase. Feeling compelled to help, I approached her.
“Ma’am, do you need assistance?” I asked.
Her face relaxed in relief. “Oh thank you so much! I’m Edie. I… came to surprise my daughter Melody for Thanksgiving after all these years.”
“That sounds wonderful,” I said with a smile. “Can I walk along with you?”
Her face brightened up. “Oh yes! I’d be so grateful.”
As we walked arm-in-arm together, purpose filled my otherwise empty evening.
My phone buzzed—”Arthur” flashed on the screen—my boss’s name made me groan inside.
“You can answer if you want,” Edie said kindly as she noticed the call.
“It’s just my boss,” I replied hesitantly. “Probably about something unimportant.”
Edie chuckled softly. “Bosses usually don’t call about anything else.”
I sighed and silenced the call instead of answering it; ”Tonight is about helping you.”
We continued walking while Edie shared bits of her life story until she suddenly stopped short.
“Oh no!” she exclaimed worriedly; “I can’t show up empty-handed! Melody will be let down.”
“Let’s find something special for her,” I suggested eagerly.
We found a charming little shop filled with twinkling lights and thoughtful gifts as Edie browsed through each item carefully while my phone buzzed again—Arthur was texting me more angrily this time!
Noticing how distracted I’d become Edie said gently: “Loneliness doesn’t spare anyone—not even bosses.”
Rolling my eyes at that comment: ”He’s not exactly understanding but I’ll manage,”
Finally choosing a delicate glass ornament painted like a snowy forest she asked: “What do you think about this one?”
Looking at it brought back sweet memories from childhood spent with Mom,
“It’s perfect,” i whispered softly
Edie’s warm smile made me feel touched as she added: “Then we’ll get two—one for Melody and one for yourself.”
Gratefully accepting that offer felt nice; “Thank you so much!”
But Arthur kept buzzing away reminding me to hurry up—we soon reached what Edie claimed was her daughter’s house where excitement radiated off of her as we climbed those steps together!
When someone opened their door though confusion crossed their face quickly saying gently: “I think you’ve got the wrong place.”
Edie’s expression fell apart right then & there realizing what had happened—I quietly asked: “You don’t have any daughter waiting on ya do ya?”
She looked away sadly just then another buzz from Arthur reminded me he wanted something urgent again—I felt frustrated but sighed saying: “Come on now let’s go.”
Back at work Arthur waited impatiently his anger clear when he sneered out loud:
“So finally decided to show up? You think this job is funny Fiona? Ignoring calls running around town?”
“I helped someone!” trying hard not losing coolness here still sounded calm enough replying back honestly too
Arthur scoffed loudly saying sharply :”Helping? This isn’t charity Fiona—you’re fired pack your things!”
Feeling crushed packing belongings away meanwhile curious little Edie wandered into his office without care—I snapped irritatedly towards her :”Enough already! You lied!”
Her sad gaze pierced through yet turned away arranging taxi home instead…
Later alone inside empty apartment loneliness loomed heavily over head regretting leaving behind poor old lady who only sought connection during holidays amplifying isolation feelings everywhere…
A knock interrupted thoughts suddenly surprised seeing Arthur standing there holding ornament given earlier by sweet kind-hearted woman!
“I didn’t realize how small things could mean so much.” awkwardly admitting sorry earlier too
His vulnerability shocked me asking hesitantly if he’d join dinner tonight?
Nodding affirmatively he suggested visiting dear ol’ Edie since shouldn’t be left alone either…
