Lauren sat on the couch, staring at the soft glow of the Christmas lights twinkling against the window. She hated this time of year. It was like the universe was mocking her, wrapping her pain in bright colors and cheerful carols.
Her tea sat untouched on the table. It had gone cold, but she couldn’t bring herself to care.
“Lauren, come look at the snowman I made!” Sophie’s excited voice called from outside.
Lauren forced a smile, standing and peeking out the window.
“Lauren?” Sophie’s voice yanked her back to the present.
Lauren blinked, her breath catching. She hadn’t even noticed the tears streaming down her face.
Sophie stood in the doorway, her small frame silhouetted by the lights from outside. “Are you okay?”
Lauren quickly wiped her cheeks, forcing a smile. “Yeah, sweetheart
