It was the night before Christmas, and Maria trudged down the dimly lit street, her footsteps echoing in the chilly evening air. The soft glow of Christmas lights adorned the houses around her, the Christmas mood apparent. But for Maria, the night felt hollow, devoid of the warmth that Christmas was supposed to bring. It was just another evening—a miserable one at that.

She watched as families hurried by, laughing, carrying gifts, their faces aglow with joy. Their happiness stung, reminding her of everything she didn’t have. They seemed so full of life while she walked with a heart heavy from loss, and the ache of being utterly alone. Her mind swirled with thoughts of her son. She wished for one moment of peace, one moment to feel the joy of the season—but all she felt was the crushing weight of her reality.

Maria turned the corner, nearing her apartment building. As she did, she noticed a figure standing outside. A man. His form shivered against the cold, his ragged clothes ill-suited for the freezing night. At first, she thought of walking past, but something in his posture stopped her. He looked weary and desperate.

She hesitated, her footsteps slowing as she glanced at him briefly. The man caught her eye and smiled weakly, his teeth chattering from the cold.

“Good evening, ma’am,” he said, his voice hoarse, yet warm.

Maria raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she sighed, the weariness of her day weighing on her. She couldn’t help but wonder why he was standing there, vulnerable and alone.

“Good evening, sir,” she muttered, still prepared to walk away.

The man sneezed and wiped his nose. “My name is Enoch. I moved here from the East, but I’ve lost all my possessions to thieves. Please, if you could help me with... anything, I would be forever grateful.”

Maria regarded him...