A Christmas Revelation: Family Found
Christmas Eve once brought the scents of cinnamon and pine to mind, but that night, it smelled of dust as I rummaged through the basement for ornaments.
“Mommy, can I put the star on the tree this year?” Katie called from upstairs, her voice filled with excitement.
“Soon, sweetheart. I need to find it first,” I replied, brushing off my hands as I opened another box.
Instead of the star, I found an old photograph—my parents smiling warmly. The date read December 1997, just months before my dad disappeared.
“Ella?” Mark called from upstairs. “Katie’s ready to explode with excitement!”
“Coming,” I said, voice shaky. The memories were overwhelming, but I tucked the photo away and climbed upstairs.
Mark handed me the tree topper. “Found it in the hall closet.” Together, we decorated the tree, Katie’s laughter lighting the room.
Then came a knock at the door.
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