In a daze, Albert opened his eyes, yawned lazily with his eyes still closed, and rolled onto his side. Seeming to sense something, he opened his eyes again and found the bed beside him already empty.
He rolled out of bed, his gaze falling on the bathroom door, where the light was on and the sound of running water drifted out. He stared blankly at the still-pitch-black window and muttered, "So early..."
Before long, the bathroom door opened from within. Isabelle emerged in a bathrobe, carefully drying her long, soft red hair with a towel.
"Awake?"
Isabelle noticed Albert had gotten up.
"...Why don't you sleep a little longer?" Albert covered another yawn.
"No, it's already half past seven. It should be snowing outside."
Isabelle set down the towel and walked toward Albert, carrying her familiar fragrance. She bent down and kissed the sleepy Albert on the cheek, smiling as she said, "Merry Christmas."
Oh, he had nearly forgotten. Today was Christmas.
"Merry Christmas!"
Albert covered his yawn and prepared to lie back down for another nap, only for Isabelle to reach out and stop him.
"What is it?" Albert asked in confusion.
"Go take a shower first. I prepared a special Christmas gift for you."
"A Christmas gift?"
Albert froze slightly. He truly had not expected Isabelle to give him a Christmas gift.
After all, they were already married and even had a child.
It felt a little strange for them to exchange gifts on Christmas.
Of course, small gifts could indeed add a little romance to their dull, routine lives.
Isabelle raised an eyebrow slightly and deliberately leaned close to Albert's ear. "Looks like you forgot to prepare a gift for me?"
"Oh, darling, what gift would you like?"
"What do you think?"
Without giving Albert time to