It had to be said that Shawn’s performance in the video was deeply moving. It was so convincing that even those who couldn’t understand the language could tell how desperate he was through his expressions and the subtitles.
“It won’t happen,” Noelle said, holding the kitten in her arms and lowering her gaze. “You see, everyone is their own person, and no one is required to rely on another to survive.
“If he really chooses to give up on himself because of this, that’s his problem. I mean, no one should sacrifice their own happiness for his.”
*Her decision was final. Even if Shawn appeared before her, crying and pleading, she would
never go back to him.
Cameron smiled faintly and said, “It’s a good thing, then. You can stay here in peace. There’s been a heavy snowstorm in the forest recently, and the roads to nearby cities have been blocked.
“In any case, even if someone mistakes you for the person in the missing person notice, they wouldn’t be able to come over here and check it for themselves.”
Upon hearing that, Noelle felt a wave of warmth wash over her. She then took a bite of the freshly baked cookie and said with red–rimmed eyes, “Thank you so much. These cookies are amazing.”
And before they knew it, Christmas Eve arrived. It was a big holiday for the townsfolk, as many of its young residents who had been working elsewhere returned home to spend the holiday with their families.
Noelle lived by herself in the small wooden cabin. She went to a nearby shop to buy some fresh flowers and hung up the painting she had completed recently–as if she were getting the place ready for the holidays.
Cameron was very thoughtful. She stopped by Noelle’s place to invite her, saying, “Oh, by the way, Aria, my brother George will be home tonight for the holidays. It would be a bit dull if it’s just the two of us. Do you want to join us for the holidays?”
Given that she was alone, Noelle decided to accept Cameron’s invitation. She carefully picked out some flowers, then took the kitten and a pot of hot coffee with her to visit Cameron’s place.
Cameron, who was used to living alone, was delighted to have a companion close to her age. She looked at the decorations scattered on the floor and said sheepishly, “It was George who bought all these Christmas decorations. He was supposed to put them up, but I guess it’s up to
us now.”
It was a rather tall Christmas tree, standing at nearly seven feet tall. It looked amazing next to the fireplace, but getting that star on top was no easy feat.
