Frost glistened on the windows of the asylum, the sun lurking behind the hazy clouds. The gray sky deepened as specks of snow began to fall. Winter had finally settled in. A black Mercedes vehicle speeds through the freshly carpeted snow, entering the asylum gates. The car arrived at a halt, a man in a black trench coat exiting the vehicle. An icy blast of bitter air entwined around his body as he hurried forward, the snow crunching beneath him. The frigid temperatures had turned his breath into a puff of vapor as he tightly drew his coat around his torso. With a pull, the front door opened as he entered the building, promptly shutting it behind him. He tossed his trench coat over the rack, emitting a heavy sigh of relief. "Cold?" a familiar male asked. The male shifted his gaze, spotting Richard Trager, his hand opened bearing a freshly brewed cup of coffee. He accepted the drink, intertwining his fingers around the glass. The warmth of the brew eased his spirits. "Too cold," he replied. The men shortly strolled down the corridor, both to accompany each other. "The course is closed. Damn snow piled up over the weekend," remarked the other. "Next week is still available if you are open to it, Jer."
The two companions shortly halted at their destination. Jeremy entered his office, taking a seat in his black leathered chair. He placed the brew down on the desk, refocusing himself back on his co-worker. "Isn't that on Christmas?" Jeremy queried softly, leaning back against the comforter of his chair. Richard nodded with a spirited grin. "Thought, you might enjoy the company. Tis the season," he proposed. Jeremy held the cup to his lips. While tasting, the brew was bittersweet with merely a hint of vanilla. Just how Jeremy liked it. He was reluctant about his decision at first, setting the glass back down. "Sure, why not," Jeremy agreed, sharing a shrug. Richard's eyes lit up with his acceptance, the visible excitement bubbling within. "Terrific! Well, off to work then. Holler if you need anything," he smiled, preparing to depart. "Rick," Jeremy called, the other doubling back. "Um?"
"Thanks for the coffee."
"Anytime, buddy."
Before long, Jeremy shifted over to monitor the screens. His eyes followed Rick exiting the corridor and entering his office to begin his duties. It wasn't a mistake hiring the man. Richard did the job, and he performed it well. Jeremy had nothing but respect for his co-worker. Ultimately, they grew closer. The men golfed together, drank, and even matters that weren't legal to the public eye. However, that was nothing strange between the two. Jeremy took another sip of the brew, sinking back into the recliner. He attended to the cameras to determine everything was in order. Work began as it did every day.
December 25th
What was generally effective was weak against the raging blizzard. The dense snow and blasts of bitter wind had made it nearly impossible to see with headlights. They blazed their way through the blinding storm with little visibility. Jeremy prepared for the worst but didn't predict it to be as powerful as this one. With a pull, he forced the car door open. The wind resisted against him with his attempt. Jeremy would've stayed home if he had any idea it would be this bad. At this point, it appeared practically improbable to return now. Jeremy trudged through the snow and sleet, proceeding his way to the front door. The blur of white covered what use his eyes could be. He hardly saw the yellow gleam of light inside the house. His desire for warmth became his primary aim. Jeremy struggled to reach the entry with the wind undecided which direction to go. He had hardly raised his arm before the door swung open. Jeremy hurried inside as Richard slammed the entrance behind them. He emitted a hearty laugh, seeing the sight of the snowed-on man. "Snow is getting rough, eh?" Richard grinned, gazing outside the window, its glass covered in an icy sheen. Jeremy nodded, relieved to be inside.
While settling in, the guest observed the room further. It was clean and nicely decorated in a Christmas theme. A tree occupied the middle of the living room. It sparked with an assortment of hues and wrapped around in metallic ribbon. "Looks nice," Jeremy complimented, hooking his coat against the rack. A strong aroma settled in, the smell causing his stomach to grumble. His hunger once subsided by the snow, but not anymore. "Well, settle in. Dinner is almost ready," Richard insisted, heading off to the kitchen. "Didn't expect you would come! The storm got worse overnight."
Jeremy shrugged with a smirk as he strolled over to the kitchen, observing his friend preparing the dinner table. "Who'd want to miss your cooking?" he excused himself with a laugh. Richard placed a small turkey down accompanied by bowls of seasoned potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a side platter of baked ham. Perfect dinner for two. "Damn Rick, it looks amazing," Jeremy awed softly. Richard glimpsed up from the prepared table with a proud beam. "Think so?" Richard chuckled. "Wait till dessert!"
The two companions settled in as they began to eat the delicious meal. The talk about anything and everything that entered their minds poured out from their lips. Jeremy felt at ease as he listened to Richard chatter on about life. He knew he was distant and how he managed and thrived in this relationship surprised him. Richard didn't seem to mind, and Jeremy felt strangely comforted by that. The constant betrayals in his life, he knew of no kindness. Jeremy hadn't experienced anything like this before. Nor had the man ever anticipated he was capable of caring for someone. Richard somehow illumined such bitter darkness. But even now, he didn't trust the man entirely. Jeremy didn't trust anyone. How could he?
Richard's eyes shortly animated, quickly excusing himself from the table. "Be right back," he grinned, exiting the dining room. Jeremy watched his friend disappear down the hall as he remained silent for his return. Soon enough, Richard arrived back with an object encased in wrapping paper. "Got a little something for you. Thought it would be nice to have."
The shock registered on his boss's face as he passed the present over. Jeremy didn't know how to react. "Thanks?" Jeremy stumbled, naturally perplexed by Richard's generosity. Jeremy took the wrapped gift, hesitating on what he should do next. "Go on, buddy, open it!" Richard insisted with a bubbly smile. Jeremy tore the red paper exposing a familiar flask of whiskey. Maker's Mark. Only weeks prior, they visited a bar, taste-testing various liquors. By far, Cask Strength was one of Jeremy's favorites. "Shit...Rick, you didn't have to," Jeremy breathed, admiring the bottle. "I don't have to do anything if I didn't want to. Besides, the more alcohol, the better, am I right?" Richard hummed, pleased to see his companion happy with his gift. Soon after, Jeremy's smile diminished in a short realization. He hadn't thought to bring a gift. It never even crossed his mind.