It's ok to be broken

chapter 1 Christmas Eve

_Chapter One: Christmas Eve_

The Shelba family's cozy living room was a glow with twinkling lights and warmth. Anna, her parents, and younger brother Jack laughed and played Monopoly on the coffee table, surrounded by wrapping paper, ribbons, and boxes.

"Anna, you're bankrupting us!" Jack teased, his bright blue eyes sparkling.

Anna grinned, her long, curly brown hair bouncing with the movement. "That's the plan, little bro."

Her mom, Susan, entered the room with a tray of freshly baked cookies, the aroma filling the air. "Who's ready for a snack?"

Anna's dad, Michael, wrapped his arms around Susan, pulling her close. "Merry Christmas, everyone. Happy early birthday, Anna."

Anna beamed, feeling loved. "Thanks, Dad. Can't wait for tomorrow."

As they continued their game, Anna couldn't help but feel grateful for this perfect Christmas Eve. The tree lights reflected off the window, casting a magical glow outside.

But as night fell, the atmosphere shifted.

_A Crack in the Facade_

Anna stepped into the kitchen for another cookie. Her parents argued in hushed tones, their voices barely audible over the Christmas music.

"...you always leave me to deal with everything," Susan whispered, her voice laced with frustration.

"I'm trying, Susan. You know I am," Michael replied, his tone tense.

Anna's heart sank. She'd never seen her parents fight like this before. The tension was palpable.

She returned to the living room, trying to shake off the unease. Jack was now engrossed in his new video game, the TV screen glowing with colorful graphics.

"Hey, kiddo, want to play?" Jack asked, not looking up.

Anna shook her head. "Nah, I'm good."

Susan entered the room, a forced smile on her face. "Time for bed, kids. Santa's coming tomorrow."

Anna hugged her mom. "Love you, Mom."

As Anna got ready for bed, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

_The Unspoken Goodbye_

Next morning, Anna rushed downstairs hoping for a birthday surprise. Instead, she found a note on the kitchen counter:

"Happy birthday, Anna. I'm sorry. I need some time. -Dad"

Her mom sat alone at the table, tears streaming down her face.

"Where's Dad?" Anna asked, feeling a chill run down her spine.

Susan's voice barely above a whisper, "He's gone, sweetie."

Anna's world began to shatter.

"What do you mean he's gone?" Anna's voice trembled.

Susan's eyes filled with tears. "He left. He didn't say where or when he'd be back."

Anna felt like she'd been punched in the gut.

"But...it's my birthday," Anna stammered.

Susan hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry, baby. We'll get through this together."

As Anna struggled to process her dad's sudden departure, Jack entered the kitchen, his face confused.

"Where's Dad?" Jack asked.

Susan took a deep breath. "Dad went away for a little while."

Jack's eyes widened. "Is he coming back?"

Susan forced a smile. "We'll see, sweetie."

Anna's heart ached for her family, for the uncertainty that now loomed over them.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Anna went through the motions, opening gifts and pretending to celebrate her birthday.

But the pain and confusion lingered.

As night fell, Anna lay in bed, her mind racing with questions.

Why did Dad leave?

Will he come back

What did I do wrong?

The darkness outside seemed to mirror the emptiness within her.

And as she drifted off to sleep, Anna couldn't shake the feeling that her world would never be the same again.