Despite the chilly temperature, Daphne found a table just inside the doorway. As she sipped her hot chocolate, she glanced around the bistro. The cheerful decorations made her smile. Tiny silver stars hung from the ceiling. Holiday tunes floated from the overhead speakers. The windows were frosted around the edges to resemble falling snow, and the festive outfits worn by the wait staff complimented the festive atmosphere. It was a sight that warmed her heart.
All too soon her meal was finished and she paid the bill, dreading the thought of returning to the cold, grey outdoors. But she soon resumed her shopping, entering store after store, finding pleasure in picking out gifts for her family. She even found the perfect gift for her impossible brother Simon along with new dancing shoes for her ball room dancing brother Billy.
Her arms loaded with packages, she happily walked out of the store. It was then that she realized how late it had become. The winter light had begun to fade and darkness would soon set in over Seattle. But despite the impending nightfall, the crowd downtown seemed to have grown. She took the busy streets as a sign. It was defiantly time to head home.
As she pushed her way through the crowded streets, she suddenly wished that she hadn't made so many purchases. The bus was bound to be crowded and she could just imagine the angry looks she would get from other riders. But the heck with them. It was her right to go shopping and she could buy as much as she wanted without approval from anyone.
A sigh of relief escaped when she finally arrived at the bus stop across the street from where she'd been dropped off hours before. It should be along any moment and soon she'd be home. It would be nice to be back at the Elliot Bay Towers, curled up on the sofa in front of the television, wrapped in warm blanket while she watched her favorite romantic Christmas movie. The thought was blissful and with a renewed spirit, she stood at the bus stop, waiting for her transportation.
She could hardly wait to be home where she belonged.