Juniper felt a swell of warmth and longing, the familiar comfort of family traditions wrapping around her like a cozy blanket, even as a chill crept in from the drafty windows. She pulled her cardigan tighter, shivering slightly. “Well, do you need help, Jacob? It’s freezing in here.”

“Speaking of help,” Evelyn interjected, adjusting a decorative pillow on the couch, “help me pull this couch away from this tree.”

Juniper raised an eyebrow, “Why would you put it there this year?”

“Your father says he can see the TV better with it there,” Evelyn replied, rolling her eyes.

“Yeah, well, you know that’s not where it goes,” Juniper said, giving her mother a knowing look.

Evelyn met her gaze, a silent understanding passing between them, memories of the past flickering in their minds. The soft glow of the fireplace cast dancing shadows on the walls, highlighting the framed photographs that chronicled their family’s history, each capturing a moment in time.