With Ears to See

Another slow work day.

The town was grey, no longer brightened by the autumn leaves.

Winter was here.

Mei-Xing took the day off, so I’m running the café by myself.
The door chime signaled that there was a customer.

I smiled at the familiar face that seemed to brighten the place.

“Hi, Aus.”

“H-Hey, Kellin. The usual?”
He nodded with a smile on his face, making the room livelier.

I went ahead and fixed his hot chocolate, adding a little more whipped cream and chocolate syrup on the top.
I handed him his drink and led him to his usual seat by the window, sitting in front of him as well.

This became a usual routine for us.
But honestly, I’m not complaining.

“December is going by pretty fast. Hard to believe that Christmas is about a week away.”
I hummed in agreement.

He took a sip from his drink.

“Any plans for the holidays?”
“Nothing special. Just staying here.”

His mouth dropped open.

“Really?! You’re not going to visit anyone?”
“I don’t really have anyone to visit so…”

He frowned.

“I-I’m sorry…I forgot.”
“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said it like that.”

A moment of silence passed through us as he sipped his drink again.

“What about you, Kellin?”
“Hm?”

“Are you going to celebrate the holidays with Mei-Xing and Haneul?”
He shook his head.

“They’re going to visit Haneul’s family in Korea. So it’ll be just me this time.”

My heart sunk a little at the thought of him being alone. Especially during this time of year.
I bit down on my lip.

“How…about we spend it together?”
He looked a little confused.

“I-I mean, no one deserves to spend the holidays alone…”

Who am I kidding?
I’m in over my head again.

“Okay.”
He gave me his usual warm smile.

“R-Really?”
He nodded and took another sip.

“O-Okay…Cool…!”
He giggled.

“You sound so nervous.”
“I-I’m not nervous!”

Yes, I am.

“Okay. Whatever you say, Aus.”

x x x

Kellin’s home. I’m not.

Christmas is only a week away and I have to act fast.

I walked into the store and scanned all of the trinkets on the shelves.

Snow globes, Christmas tree ornaments, dolls.

None of them stood out to me.
I continued to scan the shelves.

Then I saw it.

It’s perfect!

I didn’t hesitate to pick up the item and take it towards the store clerk.
She gave me a small smile as I handed her the item and my money.

“You’re the only person who saw interest in this little thing. My daughter used to be so fond of it, but even she grew up.”

She gingerly placed the item in a bag.

“Don’t worry, ma’am. It’s going to be in good hands.”

Her smile grew wider as she handed me the bag.

“I’m glad to hear it. Happy holidays!”
“Same to you!”

I waved goodbye before I exited the store.
I smiled to myself as I walked back home.

Maybe next week won't be so bad.