Page 3 of Silent Night Temptation

I purse my lips. She knows me too well to let me get away with lying.

Sighing, I break eye contact, feeling a mix of gratitude and reluctance to open up about what's been weighing on my mind.

“I can tell something's up today. You can't hide it from me." Her urgent tone causes my heart to thump once again.

“Coco, I…”

“Hey.” Her expression softens, a blend of care and worry on her face. “I don’t mean to rush you to word it all out. I just want you to be fine, you know?”

“Yeah, I know, of course. It’s just…” A heavy sigh escapes my lips as I try to put my feelings into words. "I know, Coco. It's just... There’s been a lot on my mind."

Reaching out, she gently touches my hand. "I’m here if you wanna talk about it, Ny. You know you always can." Her soft tone was nearly enough to get me to unravel my darkest thoughts right at that moment.

Yet, I know it’d be unfair. Coco is not my therapist. I hadn’t been to my therapist in a hot minute too, so it is morehypocritical to think of it. My friend can hardly stomach my spiral thoughts either.

Memories of her wailing even more than me whilst trying to provide comfort flashes in my mind, and I chuckle inwardly.

I look up at her, emotions swirling within me. I had to provide a suitable answer.

"It's just... everything feels overwhelming right now," I admit at last, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I know, Ny. You're not alone in this. Let’s figure it out together, okay?” Her words struggle to stay a beacon in the pessimism that overtakes me.

I lower my head to keep her from seeing the lack of belief in my eyes. Figure things out? What can be done?

We are both avoiding the elephant in the room. The anniversary of my parents’ death causes such a toll on me every year. Nothing can ease such pain.

Noticing my subtle fidgeting with the edge of my sweatshirt, Coco reaches over and hands me a fidget toy she keeps in her bag for moments like these.

My eyes lift to my friend as I try to keep back the water dams attacking my eyes. Effortlessly, her actions continue to speak volumes about how well she accommodates, and considers, my needs.

As I take the fidget toy in my hands, a sense of relief washes over me, grateful for such an intuitive gesture. The texture and movement of the toy offer a calming distraction, allowing me to focus on our conversation without being overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts.

“How about you come stay with me in Shadow’s Bend for the holidays?” After a brief silence, Coco’s sudden suggestion causes my brows to raise.

I hesitate. "Shadow’s Bend? That's a bit out of the blue. Why there?"

With a reassuring smile, she explains, "It's peaceful, the perfect place for you to focus on your writing." My brows furrows only to encourage her further. “Plus, we'll have each other's company. You know how bored I get by spending time with my father. It’s a win-win."

I mull over the idea. Shaking my head, I say, "I don't know, Coco. It's not that simple. I have a lot going on here." My mind races with conflicting thoughts.

“Exactly that!” determined to sway me, she appeals, “You might just havetoomuch going on here, Ny. It’s no wonder you’re in fuzzy socks.”

I shake my head again, a chuckle escaping my lips. “Can you drop the matter of my socks, please?”

“Look at the state of this place.” Coco responds by narrowing her gaze at my apartment. “As I suspected, you’ve been holed up in here far too long. The windows are shut, curtains are closed,” her nose scrunches as she breathes in the air with a look of disgust, “and the place stinks of fast food, Ny!”

I fold my arms defensively. “I like the dark when I work. Nothing wrong with that. And fast food is easy.”

"Ny, I can see through that excuse. You need this break, and I need to make sure you're okay. Plus, I don’t wanna be stuck alone and bored by my dad for too long.” She shrugs. “We always have the best time together, remember?"

Her words resonate with the memories of our past adventures at her family’s vacation house, and I reluctantly crack a smile.

I can’t believe I’m doing this.

"Okay, Coco, you win! I’ll go to Shadow’s Bend with you," I concede, unable to resist the infectious excitement dancing in her eyes.

Her face lights up brighter than a Christmas tree. "Yes! Nyree, you won't regret this. It's going to be so much fun! I promise!"

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