The next Christmas, we didn’t host a big family gathering.

We invited Lauren, Margaret, and two friends who had shown up with meals and rides during the hardest months.

There was a small tree near the window and a cardboard box full of handmade decorations.

Tessa helped choose every gift placed beneath it.

A week before the holiday, she asked if she could give me something special.

“Of course,” I said.

“But you have to wait until Christmas.”