My parents texted me, “The Christmas party has been canceled. Don’t come, my love.” They had no idea I was standing right outside the door, watching them and my sister raise a glass and say, “Merry Christmas—it’s so much better without So

face. He didn’t look like a neighbor. He looked like someone who knew exactly why he was here.

“What?” I whispered, heart hammering.
He held up one hand in a quieting gesture. “Stay calm,” he said softly. “The real show is about to begin.”

I stared at him. “Who are you?”

He didn’t answer immediately. His eyes flicked to the window, to the laughter inside,continue reading …