The party was beginning to dissolve into the cold midnight air, but the magic remained, clinging to the skin like the glow of the twinkle lights. Rosa had announced that fireworks would light up the sky in front of the giant pine tree we all helped decorate, and a small crowd gathered in the garden, wrapped in blankets and laughter.
I was among them, with a wool shawl Rosa lent me pulled tight over my shoulders, feeling fatigue begin to weigh on my eyelids and a familiar nausea graze the edges of my stomach. But it was worth it. The sight was breathtaking: the enormous pine tree, a majestic silhouette covered in gold and red lights against the black velvet sky, and the palpable anticipation in the air.
Rosa appeared beside me, her face illuminated by the soft light of the lanterns.
"Enj
