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Christmas was always a special time for my little family

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Christmas was always a special time for my little family. The smell of Christmas cookies baking in the oven, the sound of classic carols playing in the background, and the warmth of loved ones surrounding the atmosphere made it my favorite holiday. But this year, things were a little different and it hurts me every time I think about it.

I arrived at the hospital with Russo by my side. I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness as we made our way to his room. Although the tragic incident came as a thief in the night to steal our chrismas joy, I was determined to make this Christmas as special as possible for my siblings.

As we entered the room, a wide smile immediately lit up everyone's faces.

"She's here" Carina excitingly squealed and ran to me. I hugged her tightly and let the tears soak into her hair.

"Merry Christmas sis" she wished me and I did the same. I looked at him and strode towards his bed.

"Merry Christmas, sis," he said weakly, reaching out for a hug.

Tears gathered up in my eyes again as i embraced  him. "Merry Christmas, Raphael," I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady.

"We couldn't celebrate without you." He told me, and it heightened my guilt.

"I'm sorry I came late, I... "We understand Luna, we know you had a huge event to take care of, so we do not hold that against you, what matters is that you are here with us" I smiled between my sobs and hugged him again.

"Merry Christmas Luna" Kimberly wished me with a smile and I did the same.

Russo handed Raphael a gift and I sat next to him.

We began opening gifts together and soon the room was filled with laughter and love as we exchanged thoughtful gifts, including a homemade card Kimberly had made for Raphael with photos of them.

Eventually, a nurse came in to check on Raphael and I took it as an opportunity to step out of the room and have a quiet moment with Russo.

"Thank you for coming with me today," I said, taking his hand. "I know this not the most conventional Christmas celebration."

He smiled warmly at me and held my cheeks. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I know how much your brother means to you, plus, Raphael has been a good soul to me since we began working together, I owe him this" he said, his sincerity shining through.

My heart swelled with more love for him and i couldn't help but think about how truly lucky I was to have him by my side. "C'mon, let's go inside" he held my wrist and led me inside.

We spent the rest of the Chrismas night eating, playing games, and watching festive movies. Even though we were in a hospital, the love and warmth shared amongst us made it feel like the best Christmas yet.

Although Russo didn't input so much, his presence with me was enough, and I'm sure Raphael appreciated it too.

As it drew closer to midnight, it was time to say goodbye, so I got up and hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad we got to spend Christmas together, even if it was in a hospital room," i whispered while trying to fight back tears.

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