Chapter 8: The Christmas

The first snowflakes of winter began to fall, blanketing the capital in a pristine layer of white. The barracks were filled with a rare sense of quiet, as soldiers prepared for the upcoming holiday. Christmas was approaching, bringing with it a brief respite from the rigors of military training and a chance for reflection and connection.

Arin sat on his bunk, gazing out the window at the falling snow. His thoughts drifted back to his home, the bookstore, and the people he loved. It had been months since he had seen Jace or Elias, and the ache of longing was a constant companion. But amidst the loneliness, there was also hope—a hope that Christmas might bring a chance to reconnect.

The barracks were adorned with simple decorations, and the soldiers had been given a few days of leave to celebrate. Arin decided to make the most of this time. He penned a letter to Jace, pouring his heart into the words, expressing his love and the depth of his feelings. He told Jace about his training, the challenges he faced, and the dream that had given him clarity.

With the letter safely tucked into an envelope, Arin made his way to the post office, feeling a surge of anticipation. He knew it might take time for the letter to reach Jace, but just sending it felt like a step toward bridging the distance between them.

As the days leading up to Christmas passed, the barracks buzzed with a mixture of excitement and homesickness. Arin found solace in the camaraderie of his fellow soldiers, sharing stories and laughter as they prepared for the holiday. On Christmas Eve, a special dinner was arranged, with decorations, music, and a sense of celebration filling the air.

After the dinner, Arin found himself alone in the quiet of the chapel. The small space was adorned with candles and a simple nativity scene, casting a warm, comforting glow. He sat in one of the pews, his thoughts turning to Jace and the promise he had made to return.

As he sat there, lost in his thoughts, the chapel door creaked open. Arin turned to see Elias walking in, a gentle smile on his face. Arin's heart leapt with joy at the sight of his mentor and friend.

"Elias! What are you doing here?" Arin exclaimed, rising to embrace him.

"I came to see you, Arin," Elias replied, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "I couldn't let you spend Christmas alone."

They sat together in the pew, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on the walls. Elias handed Arin a small, wrapped gift. Arin opened it to find a beautiful, leather-bound journal, perfect for capturing his thoughts and experiences.

"Thank you, Elias," Arin said, his voice filled with gratitude. "This means so much to me."

Elias placed a reassuring hand on Arin's shoulder. "You are not alone, Arin. Remember that. You have people who care about you, and who are with you in spirit, even if we are apart."

Arin nodded, feeling a sense of comfort and connection. They spent the evening talking, sharing stories and memories of home. Elias updated him on the bookstore and conveyed Jace's messages of love and encouragement. It was a precious gift, bringing a piece of home to Arin's heart.

On Christmas morning, Arin awoke to find a small package at the foot of his bunk. He opened it to discover a beautifully knitted scarf, in the colors of his hometown, along with a note from Jace.

"Dear Arin,

Merry Christmas. I hope this scarf keeps you warm and reminds you of home. We all miss you dearly and are counting the days until you return. Stay strong, my love, and know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

With all my love, Jace"

Tears filled Arin's eyes as he read the note, the warmth of Jace's love wrapping around him like the scarf. He felt a renewed sense of hope and determination, knowing that no matter the distance, their hearts were intertwined.

The rest of the day was filled with moments of quiet reflection and celebration with his fellow soldiers. They exchanged small gifts, shared meals, and found solace in each other's company. The spirit of Christmas brought them closer, reminding them of the bonds they shared and the hope that carried them through the challenges of military life.

As night fell and the snow continued to blanket the world outside, Arin wrapped the scarf around his neck and stepped out into the cold. He looked up at the star-filled sky, feeling a profound sense of connection to Jace, Elias, and everyone he loved.

In that moment, Arin realized that love transcended distance and time. It was a guiding light, a source of strength and resilience. And as he stood there, amidst the quiet beauty of the snowy night, he made a silent vow to hold onto that love, to let it guide him through the trials ahead, and to cherish the connections that gave his life meaning.