Blossoming

It was Christmas Eve, and Amy and Maddie prepared a festivity for everyone. With the help of Ahjumma earlier, they made scrumptious delicacies.

The smell of slow-cooked brisket and roasted turkey filled the air. The pull-apart garlic bread was warm and fluffy, and Amy's favorite candied sweet potato medallions brought color to the table.

"Stop that. You're not supposed to eat while everyone is still not here," Amy scoffed at Maddie, who was stuffing the crab-stuffed mushroom starter.

"But it smells so good." Maddie pleaded.

They both looked around with fullness in their hearts at Amy's decorated apartment. Christmas had been their favorite holiday growing up, and to be the one to plan and do all preparing and cooking gave both sisters the feeling of triumph, making them emotional.

As the sisters wiped the bits of tears falling down, they heard the door open.

"Hello?" Jim's husked voice filled the room, and Amy ran to throw herself at Jim. Kissing his cheeks nonstop.