Outside the snow stops falling as my cousins tear the wrappings off lovingly chosen presents with glee in their eyes. A shallow smile clings gently to my face, but behind the artificial brightness of my eyes, other thoughts consume me.

Somewhere else, in his own home, my boyfriend smiles opening a card from me, chuckling at the intimate inside jokes I pushed into its contents. I picture his face and my own smile becomes just a little deeper.

Suddenly warm arms and a familiar scent drape themselves around my shoulders. His voice whispers in my ear: “I missed you too.” I relish in the warmth of him, pulling his snugness tighter. I can feel his breath on my neck…

And yet, when at last I turn around to look into his eyes, to kiss him properly, he is gone. All around me are still engrossed with the scene of happy children as they sip mulled wine.

My smile returns as I think of the last line within my Christmas card to him:
Please take me back. I love you. Please take me back.