I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. Where could I go now? I could not sleep on
the streets.
Just when I was at my wit’s end, Gabriel appeared before me carrying bags and packages.
“Rachel!”
His face lit up with a delighted smile as he hurried over. I was a little surprised and greeted him with a smile, “Gabriel! What a coincidence. You’re from Mountain City too?”
“Yes! What’s this? Do you have nowhere to go?”
Gabriel’s tone was full of concern. “Why don’t you spend Christmas Eve at my house?”
I froze for a moment and quickly waved my hands. “That wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“Oh, what’s inappropriate about it?” he said with a laugh. “It’s just my grandmother and me at home–it’s pretty quiet. Having you there would liven things up.
“Besides, it’s Christmas Eve. I’d worry about you being all alone.”
He paused, then added, “Please, Rachel, just think of it as keeping my poor grandmother company. The old lady gets so bored at home by herself.”
His pitiful expression made me laugh despite myself. Unable to refuse such kindness, I finally agreed.
As we left the station, a cold wind hit us, and I could not help but pull my coat tighter. Seeing this, Gabriel immediately took off his own coat and draped it over my shoulders. A faint woody fragrance surrounded me.
“Cold, isn’t it? Mountain City is much colder than Southport.”
I shook my head, but warmth flooded my heart.
Gabriel’s home was in the old district of the city. It was a charming two–story building with traditional architecture. As soon as we entered the courtyard, I smelled the delicious aroma of roasted chicken from the oven.
2/3
Chapter 9
+25 Bonus
A silver–haired elderly lady stood at the kitchen door, smiling as she watched us approach.
“Gabriel, you’re back! And who is this?”
The old lady’s gaze fell on me, then she said happily, “Oh my, you’ve brought home a beautiful young lady this year!”
I felt somewhat embarrassed and lowered my head, my cheeks warming slightly.
“Grandma, this is my friend, Rachel,” Gabriel said with a smile.
“How wonderful! Come in and warm up.”
2
Gabriel’s grandmother busied herself cooking while Gabriel helped carry my suitcase to the
guest room.
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