Although not the best decision because of my debt, we decided to spend the twenty-third and twenty-fourth of December inside, waiting out the storm. During this time, we tell Nis about Christmas and promise her that we'll have Christmas together. The storm subsides on the night of the twenty-fourth just in time for Christmas Day. We have a long rest and wake up bright and early in the morning. Today is the twenty-fifth of December, Christmas Day, and I still owe fourteen million in debt.

I head downstairs to help Mr. Giles set up the tree; it's bright and radiant. I smile as I put the star on top of the tree. This year we're in high spirits. I put the gift I bought for Nis at the foot of the tree. Mr. Giles puts a gift he bought for her as well.

"I got you something too, kid, but we should talk about that another time, when Nis ain't around," He says, and I nod.

"I think I'll go for a walk before she wakes up, make some hot cocoa for us, old man," I say, laughing.

He shakes his head and walks over to the kitchen. I smile and put my coat and boots on, stepping into the cool, clear world. Any sign of the storm has passed, and everything seems to be in order again. I head on the trail to the mountain view, and on my way there, I stop at a crosswalk waiting for the signal. Two men walk behind me, their conversation hushed, but loud enough I can hear.

"Did you hear? He struck again!" one man says.

"Oh, that serial killer?" the other asks.

I try my best to tune them out, but the talk about a serial killer catches my attention, so I start to focus on their conversation.

"Yeah, the one who cuts off ring fingers and keeps them, sick bastard," the first man says.

"I heard about that old hag in the toy store, think that was him?" the other man asks.

"For sure, yeah," he responds.

My blood runs cold, and the memory of fishing inside her corpse resurfaces. Wait, this serial killer is responsible for her death? Does that mean...it's the Patron? The walking signal chimes, and I cross the street, the men going the other way to continue their conspiracy rant. The Patron as a serial killer, it is possible. That man's psyche is unhinged.

I finally make it to the viewing point, to my surprise and relief, Anshi is sitting on the ground looking over the valley. I carefully approach, she turns and looks up at me, her smile wide and infectious.

"Hey, stranger," She beams.

"Hey, yourself," I smile and sit down next to her.

"I was worried about you. With the storm and all," She says.

"I was thinking of you, too," I respond.

"Oh? How romantic," She giggles, holding her hand up to her mouth.

"I didn't mean it that way!" I respond, my face flushing red.

"I am only teasing. What are you doing for Christmas?" She asks.

"I'll be with my family, well, they're not my blood family, but still," I say, slightly flustered by her earlier comment.

"Blood and family don't mean the same thing. I can understand what you're saying. I unfortunately will be alone this Christmas," She says with a sad smile, looking longingly at the valley.

"Come over to my place," I suggest.

She looks over at me, surprised, her cheeks turning a slight pink. She tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear and looks deep into my eyes, seemingly searching for any signs of deceit or trickery.

"Are you sure? I won't be a burden?" She asks nervously.

"Nobody should be alone on Christmas," I respond with a warm smile.

She smiles back and nods. I stand up and offer my hand. After a moment of stunned silence, she laughs and grabs my hand as I hoist her up. She wipes off her kimono and starts walking behind me as we head back to my place. On the way, I tell her about Nis and Mr. Giles. She nods and smiles, seemingly excited to meet them.

I open the front door, and Mr. Giles looks over at me and then to Anshi. His face turns into a smirk, and he walks over. I mentally prepare myself for his teasing as he reaches out to shake Anshi's hand.

"Well, this is quite the surprise! Kyne is bringing back a girlfriend! I'm Mr. Giles," He laughs.

"Oh, no, it's not like that! We're just friends," She laughs, turning pink and shaking his hand.

Mr. Giles looks down at her hand and, for a moment, an unrecognizable expression flickers across his face, his eyes seemingly lost in the grip of her hand. Anshi doesn't see it; I can only tell because I've grown up with him for so long. As soon as he lets go and smiles, I relax.

"This is a beautiful place," Anshi says, attempting to be nice.

"Nah, it's a dump," I respond.

"I concur," Mr. Giles laughs and returns to decorating the tree with more ornaments.

Anshi laughs with us and nods. I walk into the kitchen to see a mug with hot cocoa. I smile and sip on it, sighing with delight.

"Think I can bum some of that?" Anshi asks, walking up behind me.

"Oh yeah, I can make myself a new one, I have to make one for Nis anyway," I respond.

"Make me what?" Nis says.

I turn to see Nis walking out of the bedroom, rubbing her eyes and looking up at us. She looks over at Anshi with a confused and shy expression before walking over to me and using my leg as cover. I smile and rub her head.

"It's okay, Nis, she's a friend. Want some hot cocoa?" I ask, and she smiles, nodding.

"Here," Anshi says, kneeling and holding out the mug.

Nis looks up at me, and I nod. She lets go and walks over, carefully taking the mug and sipping on the drink. Anshi smiles and stands back up. Nis looks over at the Christmas tree, and her eyes widen and sparkle. She sets down the mug and runs over to it.

"It's...magical," She says, tears forming in her eyes.

Anshi, Mr. Giles, and I all exchange smiles with each other. The joy and spirit of Christmas filled us all in that moment. Mr. Giles finishes decorating the tree and walks over to the record player, grabbing some Christmas songs and loading them in.

For the rest of the morning and into the late afternoon, we party, sipping eggnog and attempting some karaoke. (Mr. Giles being the worst of all, not hitting a single note, and Nis and I making fun of him extensively, of course. And Anshi, with the voice of an angel, leaving all of us in stunned silence.)

The time for presents comes along, and Nis opens the gift from Mr. Giles, it's an ugly sweater that seems handmade, it depicts a reindeer with a glowing red nose. Nis comments on how ugly it is, and Mr. Giles hangs his head in defeat, but she giggles and holds it close. She then opens my gift and grins, inside the package is a stuffed bunny with a pirate hat and a hooked hand. It was really all I could find in such a small amount of time.

"I love him!" She squeals and holds him close.

"What will you name him?" Anshi asks.

"Mr. Buns," She giggles.

We all laugh at that, and Anshi nods. I remember something and walk over to my jacket, pulling out a small wrapped box and tossing it over to Mr. Giles. He looks down at it and raises his eyebrow.

"Thought you didn't get me anything, kid," He says, and I shrug.

"Open it," I say, and he nods, opening the package.

He pulls out a pack of cigarettes, his favorite luxury brand. He laughs and nods, instantly pulling his lighter out and rushing outside. The three of us laugh at his quick retreat. I glance over at the clock; it's getting late now. Nis is already starting to nod off. I walk over to her and pick her up.

"Alright, Nis, bedtime," I say, and she mumbles something, hanging onto Mr. Buns.

I put the plushie in her arms, letting her get a better grip on it and carrying her over to my bed, tucking her in and turning on the nightlight. She snuggles in and squeezes Mr. Buns. It's a heartwarming scene.

"Merry Christmas, Nis," I kiss her forehead and close the door.

"You're a great father," Anshi says, smiling.

"Oh, she's not my daughter," I respond, sitting next to her, looking up at the tree.

"Isn't she?" Anshi says with a smile, sipping her eggnog.

I smile to myself, yeah, I would say Nis is more like a daughter to me. I nod, and Anshi leans her head on my shoulder and sighs a tired but relieved sigh.

"I was afraid I was going to be alone for Christmas, thank you, Kyne. Your family is amazing. I should be getting home," She says, and I nod.

"Definitely, let's get you home," I say, helping her up as we walk downstairs and outside.

Mr. Giles is there, enjoying his cigarette as he nods to us. I walk with Anshi back to her place, pushing out the worries of walking down her street again. We get to her house, and she hugs me.

"Thank you again. You should come over tomorrow, okay?" She asks, and I nod.

She gives me another kiss on the cheek and waves me goodbye, stepping into her house and closing the door behind her. I rub my cheek the whole way back, butterflies having a war in my stomach. I arrive back home, and Mr. Giles stops me before I go inside.

"Hey, wait, I wanted to give you the gift we talked about," He says and reaches into his coat, pulling a long box out.

I reach out and grab it, opening it and staring inside. It's a large hunting knife, the type you'd see used for gutting an animal. Inscribed on the hilt is my name. I look over at him, and he nods. It feels uncomfortable in my hand, like it doesn't belong there.

"Well, thank you but-" I start but he raises his hand to cut me off.

"Take it, kid. Just in case," He says, and I nod, attaching it to my belt.

I head back inside and straight to my bed. Cleanup can wait until the morning, but for now, I am too exhausted. Tomorrow we will celebrate Nis's birthday, and I'll head over to Anshi's. I still owe fourteen million. I close my eyes and drift off to sleep. The night is quiet and peaceful.

I wake up to feel tugging on my arm, seeing Nis there with a hug smile on her face. I slowly sit up and see she's holding onto Mr. Buns, adorable.

"Kyne! Get up!" She commands, tugging at me.

"Good morning, birthday girl," I respond, laughing and smiling.

"Thanks, your girlfriend is here!" She giggles and runs out of the room.

"Not my girlfriend!" I yell after and shake my head.

I get out of my jammies and get dressed. I look over to the knife under the bed and sigh, grabbing it and attaching it to my belt. Maybe I'll use it if an animal attacks me, but I won't use it against a person, that's for sure. I walk downstairs, and Anshi is talking with Nis and Mr. Giles in the shop.

"Rise and shine!" She says.

"Thanks," I respond, rubbing my eyes.

Mr. Giles is reading the newspaper, frowning. He looks over to me and nods for me to come closer. I approach and read the newspaper; the serial killer struck again. I look over at Anshi playing with Nis and lower my voice.

"Do you think it's the Patron?" I ask.

"Could be, wouldn't put it past him anyway," He sucks air in and tuts.

"Why now?" I ask.

"Who knows, but be careful around him, don't let your guard down," He says, and I nod.

Nis runs back upstairs, and Anshi walks over. I stop whispering and look over to her, smiling. She looks over at the paper and reads it with us, she glances upstairs, making sure Nis can't hear before speaking.

"It's scary, that's why I was nervous to be alone last night," She says.

"Right," Mr. Giles says.

"Ready to go, Kyne?" Anshi asks, and I nod.

"Let me tell Nis real quick," I respond, rushing back upstairs.

I look around for Nis and see her playing with Mr. Buns in my room; it seems like she's enjoying her childhood for the first time in a long time. I knock softly on the door, and she turns and smirks.

"Going out with your girlfriend, Kyne?" She snickers, and I roll my eyes.

"Whatever! Not my girlfriend, be good, Nis. I won't be gone long," I say, and she nods and gives me a quick hug before I go.

"I will! You be safe too," She says.

"As promised, I will return to you always," I nod, and she smiles back, returning to playing with Mr. Buns.

I walk downstairs, give Anshi the thumbs up, and walk out with her, waving bye to Mr. Giles. He watches us go, a blank expression on his face as he follows our movement. Anshi looks back, and he turns from the door, heading back inside.

"Is he always like that?" She asks.

"Yeah, he's weird," I laugh.

We walk for a moment in silence until we reach her street and start heading down. It's a beautiful walk in the daylight.

"Why do you think he takes the fingers of his victims?" She says abruptly.

"The serial killer? Not sure, but it's the ring finger, so I would assume it's symbolic," I respond.

"Like marriage, right?" She asks.

"Yeah, could be," I say back, remembering the mention of her dead husband. I feel a bit of empathy rise as I see her frowning.

We enter her house, it is well furnished and clean. I sit at the table as she walks over to the kitchen, starting the kettle. The seats are comfortable, and she pours two mugs of tea for us. She brings them over and sits next to me.

"Thanks," I say, sipping the tea, it's a sweet and savory flavor I can't quite put my tongue on. She sits twirling her spoon in her tea, lost in thought before she speaks.

"He wasn't a good man, my husband," She says, and I look over at her.

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"He'd come home drunk, slap me around, and..." She trails off.

"And what?" I ask, feeling a bit bile rise in my throat and an awful feeling swelling inside.

"I was pregnant, and this one night he came home drunk from the bars. I was trying to calm him down, but he would just get increasingly frustrated no matter what I did," She says, the atmosphere changing in the dining room, nausea taking over my body, and a slight fuzzy feeling in my head.

"Did he..." I start to say, and she nods.

"Punched me, right in the stomach. Full force...the baby didn't make it," She grimaces.

I open my mouth to respond, but the telephone out in the living room begins to ring. She snaps out of it and sniffles, standing up and excusing herself. The story mixes with my increasing nausea and fuzziness. I groan and stand up, the world spinning. I look over to the fridge. Maybe some ice water would help.

I stumble to the freezer and yank it open a bit too forcefully, a tupperware knocks loose and falls with a clunk to the floor. I swear to myself and look down, hoping I didn't break it. The lid had fallen off, and the contents had scattered to the floor. My vision blurs as I process what I'm seeing.

Across the floor are severed fingers. All shapes and sizes, some with rings still attached. My eyes widen in horror, the Patron isn't the serial killer at all...Anshi is. I reach down to attempt to pick up the fingers, but my legs lock up and I fall to the ground. What's happening? Why can't I move?

"I'm sorry, Kyne," Anshi says, behind me.

She grabs my shoulders and turns me around, straddling my chest. She reaches to my side and grabs my knife. She unsheathes it and smiles at the shining metal. She looks down at me and lowers herself on me, kissing me on the lips.

"Kyne, you're the first man I've ever loved. Your family is so beautiful, and your soul is so pure," She grins maliciously.

I briefly move my muscles, and her eyes widen before turning to a smirk. It seems whatever she used wasn't very strong. If I could get up and get the knife from her...wait, would I honestly be able to kill someone? Even in a situation like this?

"You can't do it, can you?" She grins, an awful, crazed grin before continuing.

"If you don't kill me now, I'll kill you and keep you forever; you'll never be able to leave me again. But if you kill me, I'll live in your mind forever, haunting your dreams! Either way, I win, Kyne, you're mine!" She laughs, an insane cackle.

She raises the knife over my chest, and I go limp under her grip, images of Nis and Mr. Giles flash through my head. My mother and father. And even the Patron. No matter what, I won't be like he is; I won't lose my humanity. I hear the squelching sound of a knife entering flesh and a warm feeling on my chest. Nis...I'm sorry. Looks like I couldn't keep my promise.