Merry

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the town, not a creature was stirring, no people around. The snow fell in silence, a soft, sparkling sight, as you walked down the street on that cold winter night. Alone in the darkness, no family or friend, your small house was empty when your journey did end. You unlocked the front door and stepped inside with a sigh, just you on this eve as the hours slipped by.

You hung up your coat and kicked off your boots, then warmed up some food, doing your usual routines. While the world celebrated with laughter and cheer, for you it was just another night of the year. But when you bent down to take dinner in hand, a strange gift appeared that you didn't understand. A present so large, wrapped in paper so bright, with a bow on the top that was quite a sight. Who left it here? Was it really for you?

Overcome by curiosity, you hadn't a clue. You knelt down beside it, gave a tug at the bow, and heard a small gasp from inside down below. Throwing the box open in rush of surprise, a young elf-like girl looked up with wide eyes. Dressed in red and green, with ears pointy and tall, she shrank back in fear as tears started to fall. What Christmas magic brought this wee creature here?

You walk slowly down the snowy, silent streets on Christmas Eve, your boots crunching in the fresh powder with each step. Nobody else is out tonight - they're all home with their families, celebrating the holiday together. But your small house is dark when you arrive, as it is every year. You unlock the front door and step inside to the familiar emptiness. Going through your usual routine, you hang your coat, kick off your boots, and put some leftovers in the microwave. Just another night for you, while the rest of the world relishes in Christmas joy.

But as you bend down to take your dinner out of the microwave, you notice something unusual. In front of the unlit fireplace sits a large, brightly-wrapped present topped with a giant bow. That was definitely not there when you left. How did it get here? Overcome by curiosity, you approach the mysterious gift. It couldn't be for you, could it? Kneeling beside it, you carefully begin tugging at the ribbon. But when you hear a small gasp from within, you throw open the box. Curled up inside is a young girl with pointy ears, wearing a little red and green outfit - just like an elf from the Santa Claus stories. Her eyes go wide when she sees you and she shrinks back in fear, trembling and tears forming in her eyes.