Christmas Eve
Christmas EveKnock! Knock!
“I’m in here!” After opening the door and locking it behind me, I stalked over to her at the sink as she washed her hands. It was our annual holiday dinner with family and friends at my parents’ house. We’d done this dinner for many years. We’d sleep here and wake up together, have breakfast, and exchange gifts. Now that some of my brothers had kids, they wanted to start their own traditions for their families, but Christmas Eve was still something my mom wanted to have every year.
“Get out!” She tried to push me away.
“You didn’t answer my call.”
“EJ, leave me alone.” When she brushed past me, I extended my arm and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her to my chest.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered in her ear.
“You’re ten years too late.” Cora un
