In a daze, Albert opened his eyes, yawned lazily with them still shut, and rolled onto his side. Sensing something, he opened them again to find the other side of the bed already empty.
He climbed out of bed and looked toward the lit bathroom door, from behind which came the sound of running water. Gazing blankly at the window, beyond which it was still pitch-black, he muttered, "So early..."
Before long, the bathroom door opened from within. Isobel emerged in a bathrobe, carefully drying her long, soft red hair with a towel.
"Awake?"
Isobel noticed Albert had gotten up.
"...Why not sleep a little longer?" Albert covered another yawn.
"No, it's already half past seven. It should be snowing outside."
Isobel set down the towel and walked toward Albert, carrying her familiar scent. She bent down and kissed the cheek of the bleary-eyed Albert, smiling as she said, "Merry Christmas."
Oh, he had nearly forgotten. Today was Christmas.
"Merry Christmas!"
Albert covered another yawn and prepared to lie back down for a second sleep, only for Isobel 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 paused slightly. He truly had not expected Isobel to give him a Christmas Gift.
After all, they were already married and even had a child.
It always felt a little strange for them to exchange gifts at Christmas.
Of course, little gifts could indeed add a touch of romance to their dull daily lives.
Isobel raised an eyebrow 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 react,