I Left My House Empty Three Days Before Christmas

mail hold.

Paused the grocery delivery.

Called my neighbor to collect any unexpected packages.

Packed one suitcase.

And quietly changed every plan except my own.

When the morning of December 23 arrived…

The oven remained cold.

The dining table stayed empty.

No turkey waited to be seasoned.

No pies baked in the kitchen.

The Christmas lights continued twinkling continue reading …