The inn was full of liveliness. And, although Fiona was aware of all the chattering, happy townsfolk, she just wasn't feeling it. Eight years old. A girl this age should be ecstatic, especially during Christmas. If it weren't for the fact that she always came home to an empty, family-less house, she would be happier.
"Thank you mommy!" Fiona heard a voice nearby as she sat in front of the fireplace.
The little girl grinned from ear to ear and clutched her gift, wrapped in ornately colored paper. A strange feeling stirred inside of her…was it jealousy? Envy? Fiona turned her head, fighting back a tear. Christmas was dumb.
She turned her attention to the bar. Maybe there would be another lonely person there, someone she'd have at least one thing in common.
She'd been sitting in this place for two minutes, and she wanted to escape. But where would she go? There was a whiteout outside, she'd be killed by the cold in minutes. Maybe she could make a run for it…Fiona hugged her knees, sitting in a fetal position.
"Fifi?" A voice came from behind. Fiona glanced behind, angling her head just barely enough for a peek.
The windows were white. Men and women were dancing. Children were running around. No sign of the voice.
"Fifi!" The voice called out, this time it was in front of her. Was it that girl from before?
It was not.
"What?" She replied. "Oh, Evie! I didn't even see you..." Fiona gazed at the girl's snowy boots.
The fur of Evie's jacket felt so warm and soft against Fiona's cheeks as she gripped her. Fiona came up to return the hug only to grasp the air. She looked up and furrowed her brow. Evie had already stepped back and her hands were digging in her coat pockets. What was she so excited about?
"Look!" She said, holding out her palm. "Isn't it pretty?"
"It's nice," Fiona said, plastering on a fake smile. Just leave me alone.
Evie's hand gripped Fiona's and lifted it to eye level. Evie giggled as she slid one ring on her finger, and the other on Fiona's.
"Look at it closer," Evie said, grabbing each of their fingers and pulling it closer to the Fiona's eyes.
At first glance, the rings were nothing special, just a plain golden glimmer…until she noticed the engravings.
"Friends…" Fiona said, puzzled.
"Forever!" Evie raised her hand with Fiona's.
The girl felt a joy sprouting inside. This time, her smile reached her eyes. Fiona wasn't as lonely as she thought.
A tear rolled off her cheek as she threw herself onto Evie, clutching the small of her back and nestling her head on Evie's fuzzy jacket.
"Merry Christmas, Fifi." The girl hugged her back.