Maddy was unable to hide her melancholic tone. “Nothing, it’s just that, so many times we wish we’d told how we felt to so many people dear to us, but we never did when we had the chance.” A weak laugh escaped her. “I’m sorry, I’m being too gloomy. It’s probably the holiday blues.”
Her grandma’s eyes were as kind as they were understanding. “It’s true. However, don’t forget that the people dear to us know that we care, not from our words but from our everyday actions, our attention, our company. That’s much more important.”
“You’re right,” Maddy said. “As always.” She laughed.
“Yes, I am wise, I know.” They both giggled and then proceeded with their game.
***
A couple of days later, Maddy was re-organizing her bookcase, which then led to her wanting to re-organize her wardrobe, which meant that she was sitting in the middle of her bedroom surrounded by pretty much all her belongings, shaking her head at what she had gotten herself into.
She heard her phone ping from somewhere, probably buried under a mountain of clothes, which meant that it took her a solid five minutes to locate it.
Nate: How cold is too cold for you?
Maddy: That is a question whose answer I hope I never have to find out.
Nate: Is there any way for you to answer a question in a normal way?
Maddy: No, I don’t think so.
Nate: Ok, just checking.
Nate: So, about the cold?
Maddy: Well, I don’t know really... It depends, I guess?
Maddy: Why?
Nate: Nothing, I was just wondering about something.
Nate: Are you spending New Year’s Eve with your folks?
Maddy frowned, getting more confused by the minute.
Maddy: Um, I mean, yes
Maddy: We usually have an early dinner but they never stay up late enough to watch the ball drop.
Maddy: They always get sleepy much, much earlier and get to bed.
Nate: Okay
Nate: Do you think you can get to my place after 11?
Maddy: I suppose I can figure it out, yeah
Nate: Ok then
Maddy: Aren’t you going to tell me what this is all about?
Nate: Nope.
Maddy: So you’re just going to leave me hanging?
Nate: Yep.
Maddy: But this will drive me crazy!
