December 12th to December 25th

Hey hi folks! I hope the season is being kind to you and yours. <3 I've been busy getting things together (some gifts, a girlfriend squad holiday stream) but otherwise I've finally managed to actually rest and relax for a few days. It's strange how hard it can be to do that.

On the writing front, Tora's First Day is almost done with its first editing pass! I expect it should be ready in the next month or two, which should nicely coincide with the year of the tiger. ^^

I also wrote a tiny Christmas story over on twitter; here it is, wrapped up in this update.

She remembered her from last year's Christmas party, and the year before that—always wearing those reindeer antlers draped in ornaments, always the life of the party. Looking like she belonged there.

And before the night was over, she was gone.

The first time, she barely noticed. She was new to this town herself, after all. The second time, it was all she could do to muster up the courage to say hi, let alone introduce herself. At least this time, she noticed when she left, catching a stray glimpse through the window.

Maybe next time, she'd ask her name. Ask where she went the rest of the year. Ask her where she got those antlers, remark how lifelike they were; make conversation.

Maybe next time, they'd get to exchange more than just a few words. Maybe next time, she'd stay a little longer.

Or maybe next time, it wouldn't be so bad to leave the party early along with her. Maybe next time she'd follow her, follow the sound of those bells...

And come next morning there would be two sets of footprints in the snow, vanishing into the woods, far outside of town.

Happy holidays, folks! Thank you again for your support; it's the best gift I could ask for. Let's keep making wonderful things together.💙