Literature
Cassandra's Pre-Christmas Gas
Softly, the snowflakes pirouetted from the heavens, twirling gracefully before settling onto the windowpane of Cassy's modest apartment. The hush of winter whispered tales of solitude, a delicate symphony that accompanied her fourth Christmas in isolation – the fourth since that day now only known as "the incident." While solitude usually didn't faze her, the holiday season brought a subtle change. Cassy's finger traced a flower on the fogged glass, a silent expression of her emotions. During the festive season, she found herself celebrating online with a small group of people, a routine she had gotten used to. The laughter and keyboard sounds filled the digital space, offering a semblance of connection. In the quiet moments between online interactions, a simple wish lingered — to have someone physically close during this season. She stared at the glow of the computer screen, her hands gently resting on the keyboard. A sigh escaped her lips as she leaned back in her chair