I'm sure everyone is asking and receiving the telltale sign that someone is getting you a gift and expecting one in return. The... "what do you want for Christmas" sign that is.
This weekend was the first I had actually spent at home. Oh, I've been home almost every weekend, but it was simply a base of operations of sorts. I'd be out of the house in a few minutes somewhere else. I made sure I had no such plans this weekend, and really spent it at home with family. Being a good Taiwanese boy and helping out my parents, optimizing the computer, setting up the Christmas lights, singing Karaoke with the family, hot pot, and looking after the dogs; checking their joints, fur, and body parts for any sign of health problems or discomfort...
And then my parents popped the question on me. They wanted to know, what I wanted. What I truly needed this Christmas season.
"What I truly needed..."
I drew up a blank then, but now I think I can confidently tell them what I want. I just want... a good Christmas. One that tops all the other ones. I don't need lavish gifts, I don't need a new car, a new computer, or money. I just want to have great memories with family and friends. Something, anything to top last Christmas... the one I spent with my ex and her family. My parents don't know this, but I asked her out as soon as the clock struck midnight on Christmas eve. Flowers, behind my back, and asked her in front of her entire family.
And that smile on everyone's faces, the squeals from her sisters, and the grinning of her parents... her running at me for a hug.
Memories. That I don't want to revisit anymore.
So please? Something better this year, somehow, so that when I think back on my favorite Christmas memory... She won't be in it.
