It's the middle of the night. I wander the streets alone, hands shoved into my jacket's pockets. The bars and clubs are all too a familiar memory, filled with both shame and misery. A breeze blows against my face, and somehow I can feel it blowing right through my soul… I duck my head down and trudge along, heels dragging on the ground and kicking the melted snow on the sidewalk.

The sounds soon leave me behind and I find myself at the junction of a suburban street. My watch reads midnight. I look at the sign and decide to walk down it, knowing very well that this is not the way home. It feels slightly warmer in this part of town, where families have a safe haven from the chaos and confusion that is midtown. I glance at every house I pass, and through the frosted windows are silhouettes of people celebrating and making merry. With carolers wandering the streets, singing out the songs we all know so well and love, my heart doesn't feel as heavy as before… maybe this will be a good Christmas after all…

Could I say that she's the best present that I could've ever given myself? I really hope so. But lately things haven't been going the way I expected and its giving me second thoughts…

I halt under a lone, snow covered street lamp. Looking from the sidewalk, the door number reads "22". A breath of cold winter air fills my lungs and I breathe out as much of the pain as I can. I make my way over to the door, all the while thoughts of a better future race through my mind. With one raised fist, I knock the door, but stop before my knuckles touch the wood… Finally, hesitation overcomes me and I can only turn away and give a sigh. Just as I start my stroll home, the door opens and I turn around.

Under the porch light, with the cold wind blowing against her face, she stands. Looking out at me. From where I stood I could see tears welling up in her eyes and likewise for myself. I rush forward and hug her so tightly it's as though either one of us was going to explode. And in that moment, on that snow covered step porch under those lights, my Christmas miracle came true. What I thought wouldn't happen did, and to say the least it was the best feeling in the world.

I hope that this story helped whoever reads this feel better, because it sure did for me, writing this. So for all of you whose MSTs are coming up soon, don't falter now, because we will reap the rewards once they are over, and have a great holiday.

Best of luck. SL<3