Resting Scrooge Face

by Meghan Quinn

It’s the kind of ambiance that should warm the soul of every person who strolls down the streets. Unfortunately for me, it’s doing nothing to thaw my ice-cold heart.

Laughing children. This might make me sound like an utter troll, but the sound of children laughing while Christmas music plays in the background really makes me want to pull out the Snowball Slinger Two Thousand—prototype, made up in my head—and start pelting them, one by one.

parties where people expect you to bring a plus-one. And if you don’t, the dreaded question of why you’re single. It’s none of your freaking business, Robert, or Pam, or . . . Jerry.

“Goodbye, Chris.” The sound of her setting her phone on the table echoes in our shared space. “Sorry about that,” she says. Is she talking to me? I hope she’s not talking to me.

“What?” she responds. “That’s what you’re going to say to me? What?” No, what I really want to say is how beautiful you are. How I’ve missed staring into your eyes. Or hearing your laugh.

First of all, could the man be any more attractive? You always hope for the people who break your heart to age horribly, but not Caleb Butler.

The parties are what really drive me nuts. You’re required to go, but all you’re asked, over and over again, is why you’re single during the holidays. Can you please tell me why people find it necessary to butt into your personal life?

I will fight someone to their death if they tell me bubble gum is a legitimately tasty artificial flavor. Nothing, and I mean nothing, tastes good in bubble gum flavor other than actual bubble gum.

Put some “ick” out there so there is no chance of us becoming like the rest of the people in this town—holly jolly, with a penchant to dabble in romance.

I’ll admit, I did see a couple holding hands this morning down by the post office, and I thought to myself . . . *gulp* that looks nice. **Winces** I know, I know. The holiday music is getting to me. The cheer in the air. The reminiscing.

“You could have told me that, Caleb.” “And risk having you stay when clearly you were supposed to go and explore the world?” He shakes his head. “I wouldn’t have done that. You deserved more.”

I miss this town, the people in it, and the community. I was lacking the deep friendships in New York that I have here. There’s nothing left for me there, but a lot left for me here.”

i understand this too much 💀

When I lost you, I lost a part of myself along the way. But you’re here now, and slowly, you helped bring that part back to life with your letters.”

“Even during our time apart, even when our hearts were both shattered, it’s always been you. Always and forever.”

This is my girl. The one I’ve been waiting for. And sure, it might have taken a few years and some letters delivered by a friend, but we’re here, in each other’s arms, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.