The fairy lights that twinkled merrily across the living room mocked me. Ten days to Christmas, and the only gift I'd unwrapped was a heart shattered into a million glittering shards, each one reflecting the fractured version of the holidays we were supposed to have.

The past is a stubborn ghost, refusing to be exorcised. I want nothing more than to go back to the times I thought love would last forever. I wasn’t wrong about it; I will love you forever. But back then, I thought it would be mutually reciprocal. You know, shared, felt, or shown by both sides.

It’s just me now.

It’s been just me for a while now.

Since you've freed yourself of me, I shall free myself of the promises I kept for you.

The new year looms like a blank canvas. The sting of your absence lingers, but with it comes a flicker of resolve. Hope on the wreath.

Amidst the lifeless ornaments and the forced cheer, I choose to mend.