It was Christmas night, 2027, in Royal Woods, Michigan. A bearded man with chestnut brown hair stared through the front door window of 1216 Franklin Avenue. His childhood home was tastefully decorated, and the light from the inside illuminated the smile on his face. The man could smell his mother's excellent cooking from where he was, and the inside of the house looked happier and cozier than he'd ever seen it.

"I can't believe it!" he exclaimed. "After so many years… I'm finally home!"

The man took a deep breath. "I missed you guys so much…mom…dad…my brothers…" The man moved his hand closer to the doorbell.

"…Linka…"

But that's when the man was finally able to process his situation. The 27-year-old's heart started beating faster, and his hands began to shake. The weather started to drop rapidly, but that wasn't what the man was concerned about right now, as he was all too used to the cold. Darkness and agonizing pain began to fill his mind and soul as he remembered who he was. This place was a reminder of how he had hurt everyone he loved, how he had crossed the point of no return.

It was only very recently that the man had tried to make things right with his 12-year-old nephew, whom he met for the first time in the fall. But that wasn't before he ultimately put the innocent child in danger, and there's nothing that can be done to undo that. The boy held no grudge and even showed his uncle compassion due to the circumstances, but the man knew that the rest of the family wouldn't be so understanding if they found out what almost happened.

"Why am I even here?" the man wondered out loud. "They should be better off without me," he said, failing to choke back the hot tears that ran down his face.

"Uncle Luke? Is that you?"

A boy with thick white hair that had a splash of blue dye on one side had opened the door. But Luke had already left the deck before ducking below the fencing.

"What?" The boy was utterly confused as he scanned his surroundings. "There's no one here!"

He stepped onto the deck. "That's weird. I swear I heard Uncle Luke's voice," the snow-haired child paused momentarily.

"I hope he's fine after what happened a few days ago."

After a few moments, the boy announced that it was time to get back to work. He slammed the door behind him as he went back inside the house.

"Damn, that was way too close!" Thought Luke as he hid. He wasn't ready to face his sister and his former boyfriend again after all.

Inside the house, a young woman with thick white hair was waiting for the crestfallen boy.

"What's wrong, Sweetie? Why do you look so sad?"

"It was nothing, mom! I really thought I heard Uncle Luke's voice outside."

"I don't want to be that person, but I wouldn't count on your uncle tonight even though he made you a promise." The woman responded.

"I know…"

"Aww, bud, don't be sad. This is the first Christmas you will spend with your girlfriend! For now, why don't you go find your uncle Lars? He told me that he needed your help. I'll stay here waiting for the rest of your uncles."

"Ok, Mom!"

But as the boy turned around, a young man with pale skin and jet black hair appeared out of nowhere.

"Finally!"

Mother and son screamed before realizing that it was just a panicked Lars.

"Sorry, but I need Lian to help me find something in the attic. Dad continues decorating the house, Mom, Leon, and your Husband are preparing the dinner, and Loni, Lexx, Leif, and Levi went to the mall. I'd do it by myself, but the bus leaves early tomorrow, and if I don't find it, I won't have another chance until next summer," he spewed.

"I already told Lian to help you, but hurry up! Loki and his family are on their way, and Lynn will also be here soon."

"Thanks, you're the best sister ever, Linka."

"Well, I'm the only one you have."

"Don't worry, Mom! We won't be late," Lian promised as he followed Lars upstairs.

When her brother and son were out of sight, Linka sighed.

"But I'm not the best…" She muttered.

Linka turned her head to face the door. She knew exactly who was listening on the other side, but she was not afraid. At 23 years old, Linka had already gone through hell and back and cheated death multiple times. The snow-haired woman never expected or wanted a perfect or even easy life, but she always imagined that her brother Luke would be part of it right now.

"If I were, I wouldn't have given up on you."

Memories of that particularly bitter night will never leave Linka, but what would tonight look like if she'd known what she knew now?

"But after 12 years, you finally decided to return home…Right? Luke…?"