Stupid. Stupid. He was so stupid. Why did he always jump to the worst conclusion? Why did he always always assume the worst in people? It was a reaction grown from experience, but he knew he needed to stop.
After Anna had left, Kristoff sank back into his chair and decided that he hated how quiet and cold his cabin felt now. Anna had filled his home with warmth and taken every bit of it with her when she left. Eli had looked back at him with adoration in his eyes, and Anna had looked back at him with hurt. Why did he do that?
She already had so much hurt in her life, had lost so much… He didn't know if he was ready to give that much of himself to someone, and he didn't think he should risk hurting her more. Taking more from her life.
But she was so welcoming, so warm and kind, and it seemed like she was so willing to work to know him. So why had he shut down? She just wanted to know about him. She just wanted to know him.
And Kristoff wanted to know her. This was so stupid. He was being so dumb. He knew he shouldn't throw away this very real shot at something new.
He ran his hands over his face, leaning forward in his chair when he noticed a piece of paper on the floor next to where Eli had been laying. With a sigh, he moved to pick it up, sure Eli would be upset if he tread over his drawing.
But then he realized it was writing. A letter. Riddled with spelling mistakes, but a letter nonetheless.
Dear Santa,
I wanted to remind you about my Christmas wish. Does it need to be written to be real? Mama said I could tell you because I met you but maybe that is wrong. Please remember to bring her someone who loves her.
Since we met you she has been happy. Are you going to love her? I think she is scared of new people. But you are nice and make her smile a lot and I think she likes that.
Please make my Christmas wish come true. I want my mama to be happy.
Love,
Eli
Kristoff groaned and pressed the letter to his chest, his heart breaking all over again.
He had to make this right.