The air is crisp, laden with a light morning mist that seems to float above the glistening snow. The mountains surrounding Green Valley rise majestically under the pale sky, their peaks covered in pristine snow. Lucas takes a deep breath, letting the icy air invade his lungs. It's the kind of morning where you feel like something new is beginning, as if nature itself is giving you permission to turn the page. Max, who has his gaze fixed on the small house that stands before them, asks him:
Max : Is it here, dad?
Lucas glances at the facade. It's a pretty wooden house, typical of mountain chalets, with green shutters and a sloping roof covered in snow. A small path leads to the front door, lined with fir trees heavily laden with snow. A string of lights, already lit even though it's still morning, surrounds the door, giving off a warm and welcoming light.
Lucas : Yes, this is where it is. What do you think?
Max narrows his eyes, as if to better judge the situation. It's still early, and Lucas knows that the fatigue from the trip is visible on his face, but he can't hide the curiosity that shines in his eyes.
Max : It's... different.
Lucas laughs softly. Different is a word he uses a lot lately. Ever since they decided to leave town, everything has become different for Max: the new school, the new house, even the way they celebrate Christmas this year.
Lucas : It is. But it's a good thing, you'll see.
They walk along the small snowy path, Max dragging his suitcase behind him. He glances around, taking in every detail with silent attention. Lucas opens the door, and a gust of warm air greets them, bringing with it the smell of wood and cinnamon. Inside, the house is already ready for Christmas. It seems that his sister, who lives in the neighboring village, came by before their arrival to get everything ready. She has unpacked all their boxes, and has meticulously tidied the house before their arrival. The living room is decorated in a way that immediately evokes the holidays: a large fir tree sits in a corner, its branches laden with red and gold baubles, a star shining proudly at its top. A thick, soft carpet covers the floor in front of a fireplace where a fire crackles softly, casting dancing shadows on the wooden walls. Max approaches the tree, his fingers brushing the branches, then turns to his father.
Max : It's not like last year.
Lucas feels a slight tension in his stomach. He's right. It's not like last year, or any year before this one. Ever since he and Max's mother got divorced, Christmas has lost some of its magic for the two of them. Lucas would have liked to give him a Christmas like before, with all the rituals and traditions they had, but here, in this new village, everything is different.
Lucas : No, it's not the same. But maybe this is an opportunity to create new memories. We could start new traditions, just for us.
Max looks at him for a moment, his ocean blue eyes searching Lucas for an answer. Then he nods slowly, as if he's deciding to trust him on this one.
Max : Okay. So, what do we do first?
Lucas thinks for a moment. There's so much to do to get settled in, but he senses that Max needs something special, something to show him that this Christmas could be just as magical as the ones before.
Lucas : How about we make Christmas cookies? Your aunt left me a recipe on the counter. We could decorate them together and keep a few for ourselves, then give the rest to the neighbors to introduce themselves.
Max seems hesitant, but the idea of cooking with his father seems to please him.
Max : Okay, but I want to make the gingerbread men.
Lucas straightens up and motions for him to follow him to the kitchen. There, on the wooden countertop, is a recipe book open to a page titled "Aunt Haley's Famous Gingerbread Men." Lucas smiles as he reads the title. His sister has always had a soft spot for Christmas traditions, and her gingerbread cookies are famous throughout the family and the entire village.
Lucas : But you're the chef, okay? I only help.
Max seems to take his role seriously. He immediately gets to work, measuring out the flour, sugar, and carefully mixing the spices. Lucas watches him, amused and touched to see him so focused. A year ago, he would never have wanted to spend an afternoon in the kitchen with him. He would have preferred to stay in his room with his toys or his favorite book. Maybe this move and this different Christmas are an opportunity for the two of them to get closer. They worked together, mixing, kneading, and cutting the dough into little men. As the cookies baked, the spicy smell filled the house, bringing back memories of childhood and Christmases past. Max, now more relaxed, began to tell Lucas what he expected from this Christmas.
Max : I wonder if this Christmas will be as special as before.
Lucas pauses for a moment, putting his hand on her shoulder. There's a legitimate concern in his voice, that of someone who's lost their bearings and is desperate to find new ones.
Lucas : I think this Christmas can be special, but in a different way. Maybe it won't be like before, but it can be just as wonderful, if we put our effort into it.
Max : Yeah, you're right... But I still hope Santa knows we moved.
Lucas : Don't worry about it, I'm sure Santa has a very good GPS. He'll find you, no matter where you are.
The conversation turns to lighter topics as they decorate the cookies, each adding their own personal touch with brightly colored frostings and little candies. The gingerbread men come to life in their hands, and when they're done, they look almost too pretty to eat. They wrap up some cookies in a pretty box, and they get ready to leave. Max is already putting on his cap and hat, clearly eager to play the little Christmas elves.
The snow continues to fall as Lucas and Max leave the house. Dusk begins to envelop the village in a blue light, the fairy lights come on one by one, creating an almost unreal atmosphere. They walk towards the neighboring house, a charming little wooden building with a sloping roof.
Max : Do you think our neighbors are nice?
Lucas : I'm sure they are. Otherwise, we wouldn't have brought them cookies, right?
Max laughs softly, a little nervous. Lucas knocks on the door, hoping not to disturb. A few seconds later, the door opens to reveal a woman in her thirties, with slightly wavy brown hair and green eyes. She's wearing a thick wool sweater, and her cheeks are rosy from the cold or perhaps from the effort of taking care of the house. Behind her, Lucas sees a little girl, probably Max's age, hiding shyly behind her mother.
Brooke : Good evening. Can I help you?
Lucas is almost immediately captivated by her charm, but he tries to remain natural, not letting anything show.
Lucas : Good evening. We are your new neighbors. My name is Lucas, and this is my son Max. We moved in this morning, and Max had the idea to bring you some cookies for Christmas.
Brooke smiles, and Lucas notices her eyes light up slightly.
Brooke : Oh, that's really sweet! My name is Brooke, and this is my daughter, Emma.
Emma shyly comes out from behind her mother and looks at Max with childish curiosity.
Emma : Hi.
Max : Hi. Want to try the cookies we made?
Emma nods enthusiastically, and Brooke invites them into the house. The interior is warm and welcoming, carefully decorated for the holidays, and a large Christmas tree sits in the living room.
Brooke : That's really sweet of you. I have to admit that I haven't had time to prepare anything for Christmas yet. Between moving and settling in, it's been a bit complicated.
Lucas : I totally understand. We just put our bags down. I guess it's a busy time for everyone.
Brooke smiles, and Lucas feels an immediate connection, as if she understands exactly what he means. For a moment, they exchange a look, and Lucas can't help but notice how beautiful she is, with that simplicity that makes her even more endearing. But he quickly pushes those thoughts out of his mind. This is not the time to think about that kind of thing.
Max : Dad, can we play together?
Lucas looks at him, then glances at Brooke to see what she thinks.
Lucas : If you don't mind.
Brooke : Not at all, on the contrary. Emma would be delighted to play with Maw. They can go to her room, right over there.
Max : Great! Thank you, Ma'am.
The two children quickly disappear into the room, leaving Brooke and Lucas alone in the living room. A slightly awkward silence falls, but Brooke seems at ease, giving Lucas time to acclimate.
Lucas : Glad to see Max has already found a friend.
Brooke : Emma doesn't have any friends here yet, so that's good for her too. She's still a little shy after we moved.
Lucas nods, understanding the situation perfectly. They share this experience of being new to Green Valley, which creates a common ground between them. Lucas takes a deep breath, trying to chase away the nervousness he feels in Brooke's presence. There's something about her, a warm aura that disarms him a little.
Lucas : Green Valley is really a lovely place. I grew up here, but it's been a long time since I've been back.
Brooke : Oh, really? I just moved here recently. I needed a change, to get closer to nature for Emma and me. The city didn't suit us anymore. By the way, can I offer you a coffee?
Lucas : With pleasure, thank you.
Lucas follows her into the kitchen, noticing how organized her space is despite the recent move. There are personal touches everywhere, children's drawings hanging on the fridge, potted plants on the windowsill. Brooke moves with a certain ease, as if she already belongs here, despite the short time she's been here.
Brooke : So, how's it going for you two here so far?
Lucas : It's a bit of a challenge. I left the city to give Max a simpler, healthier life, but I admit it's still a bit confusing for both of us. Everything is so... different.
Brooke : I understand. It's a big change. But I'm sure you'll adjust quickly. There's something about Green Valley that makes you feel right at home, you'll see.
They talk for a while, exchanging small talk about their respective moves, the challenges of being single parents, and the importance of Christmas for children. Lucas finds himself enjoying this simple conversation, this moment of connection with someone who understands what he is going through.
Lucas : How did you end up here? I mean, what drew you to Green Valley?
Brooke : It's kind of a long story. Emma and I needed a fresh start. The city had become too... oppressive. Here, I thought we could breathe, be closer to each other. And then, the idea of living in a place where Christmas is so important appealed to me. I've always loved parties.
Lucas nods, sensing a sort of sadness hidden behind his words, but he doesn't push her further. He doesn't want to make her uncomfortable.
Lucas : I think we've both been looking for a place where we can rebuild ourselves.
Brooke nods silently, and they sit there, sipping their coffee, listening to the distant sound of children playing. There's something comfortable in the shared silence, something reassuring.
Brooke : I have to say, you've done a great job with Max. He's adorable, and he seems to love the spirit of Christmas.
Lucas : Thanks. He's always loved this time of year. I try to make it a magical time for him, even if things have changed.
Brooke looks at him with a certain tenderness in her eyes, and Lucas feels his heart clench slightly. It's been a long time since someone looked at him like that. He looks away, a little embarrassed by the intensity of the moment.
Brooke : I'm sure this Christmas will be memorable for both of you.
Lucas : I hope so.
They remain silent for a moment, each lost in thought. Lucas realizes that despite the simplicity of this meeting, it already has a certain impact on him. Maybe it's the fact of knowing that they share similar experiences, or maybe it's simply the human warmth that Brooke gives off. Either way, he feels something growing inside him, a kind of hope that he hadn't felt in a long time.
Brooke : Do you already have plans for Christmas?
Lucas : Not really, no. I was counting on spontaneity. We'll see what happens.
Brooke : I see. Well, if you ever feel like spending time with other people, we'd be delighted to have you. It's always better to celebrate the holidays in good company.
Lucas is surprised by her proposal, but also touched. This invitation, although launched informally, seems sincere.
Lucas : That's very kind of you, Brooke. I'll think about it.
They exchange a few more words before Lucas stands up, realizing that it might be time for him and Max to leave.
Max and Emma are laughing in the bedroom, and Lucas heads to the door to call them.
Lucas : Max, it's time to go home, buddy.
Max : Oh no, already? Dad, did you see? Emma has a great collection of games!
Lucas : I'm glad you had fun, but it's time to go home.
Emma looks at her mother, visibly sad to see Max leave.
Emma : You'll come back, right?
Max turns to Lucas, and he feels that this is an invitation he can't say no to.
Lucas : Of course. We'll come back.
Brooke smiles, and Lucas feels a warmth in her gaze that comforts him. They say their goodbyes, and Lucas thanks Brooke once again for welcoming her. They then walk out into the cold night, Max skipping beside his father as they head towards their house.
Max : Dad, do you think we can come back tomorrow?
Lucas : We'll see. We still have a lot to do at home, remember?
Max growls but doesn't protest any further. They head home, the cold stinging their cheeks, but Lucas feels strangely warmed by this evening. This meeting, although unexpected, has given him a new perspective, a new hope. Arriving home, he realizes that he's still thinking about Brooke. Her smile, her kindness, her way of being... something about her has left a mark on him. But he also knows that he has to be careful. This is a new life they're starting here, and he doesn't want to rush anything.
Lucas puts Max to bed, telling him a story like every night, and he quickly falls asleep, exhausted by the excitement of the day. Lucas stays next to him for a moment, thinking about what this new beginning could mean for them.
Back in the living room, he sits by the fireplace, the flames dancing in front of him. He tries not to think too much about Brooke, about this strange connection he felt. Maybe it's just the magic of Christmas, or maybe it's something else. Either way, he decides to let things happen naturally. After all, Green Valley is a place of new beginnings, and maybe this year, Christmas will bring more than just decorations and presents under the tree. He stares out the window, watching the snow fall silently. The air is filled with that sweet anticipation that comes with the holidays. In that moment, he feels ready to welcome whatever life has to offer.
The cold outside contrasts with the warmth inside the house, but Lucas knows that it's not just the fire that's warming him tonight. It's the hope of a different Christmas, maybe even a Christmas filled with new encounters, new friendships... and who knows, maybe more...