The night held so much promise. The cold air found a way through the mesh of her nylons, and goose bumps covered her legs. She breathed out a hot stream of air that drifted up like a smoke ring and vanished into the winter air. “You ready, babe?” he said, wrapping his arms around her stomach. His cold nose traced up her neck. There was something about December nights that seemed to make everything alright. All the other Christmases, the money and the fights—it didn’t matter now. She got away, and got the one gift she always wanted.