The tree looked beautiful as ever. Decked out in different colored lights and ornaments hanging from the limbs. No tinsle though, the cat might swallow that. It looked just like it always had. It was always beautiful at his house this time of the year. People gathered about. Everyone was in a good mood. For the first time in a long time. Not many people drank, simply because they wanted to remember the night.

“Can I have your attention?” One of the guests, or actually, it seemed as if this was the host, asked defiantly, and not too long after the crowd settled and fell silent.

“Thank you.” He said softly, brushing his dark black hair away from his face, his son sitting in the chair next to where he was standing, he too, had black hair. Their eyes both watered as the boy stood up, speaking finally, the first time the whole night.

“I know you all miss her.” He said quietly, biting his lip and staring down at the ground nervously. He swallowed and looked up. “But its Christmas. We all need to be happy. She’d want us happy.” He paused. “Cancer didn’t take her away from us. She’s still here. I can smell it. I can feel it. It just is. So, enjoy your night.” He said with a smile, wiping a tear away. “Lets open those presents.” He finished, a small smile on his sad face.