Kinda vent-y writing, kinda just an excuse to write, I don't really know. It's about Christmas Eve but I'm writing it in August so call it whatever you want 'cause I got no clue.
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Based on a short comic by @fangirltothefullest on Tumblr and Chase Holfelder's minor key cover of "Silent Night".

~*~

Silent night

Ponder sang the first line softly, distorting the originally comforting tune into something ominous and solemn. As the sound traveled through the empty air, it spread the lament of the singer like a virus, infecting the cheerful spirit of the season and marring it to fit the true feelings of this particular year. Ponder rose from the carpeted floor and unplugged their phone, winding the charger up and storing it in the corner behind a mirror. With the alarm for the next morning already set, they turned the phone off and placed it beside their pillow, the screen facing down.

Holy night

They stripped off their oversized hoodie, thick sweatpants, and fuzzy socks, gritting their teeth as the cold air suddenly hit their newly exposed skin. They folded the clothes and tucked them into the corner beside their bed, ready to be quickly pulled back on after the alarm woke them in the morning.

All is calm

The fan outside Ponder's door droned on steadily, providing the gentle noise Ponder needed to fall asleep comfortably. They considered turning on the TV for additional noise, but decided against it. They were already tired and had no interest in staying up any later than they already had, so they guessed sleep would come easily enough that night.

All is bright

They crossed the room to the miniature Christmas tree that they had set up in their room. It was three feet tall and sparkling white with built-in golden lights. Hanging from the branches were ornaments of varying sizes and colors, some stolen from the much larger tree in the common area, others purchased specifically for this tree. At the top of the tiny tree was a shiny gold star that had turned out to be a little too big and was now held steady on the top branch by a short multicolored string that Ponder found lying around. The space below the tree was deserted of presents, exposing the X-shaped stand holding the tree up and the carpet beneath it. Gently, Ponder knelt down in front of the tree, reached behind it, and switched the lights on.

Round yon virgin, mother and child

With the tree on, the overhead lights could now go off. Ponder rose again from the floor and moved towards the door. As they often do, they flipped the wrong switch, the one furthest from the door that doesn't do anything. They pushed it back down and flipped the other switch, turning the overhead light off.

Holy infant, so tender and mild

With everything else in the room settled for the night, all that was left was for Ponder to get in bed. Hurriedly, they crossed the room and slid under their comforter, tucking the bottom of the blanket beneath them. To keep themself warm, they curled their knees up to their chest and wrapped their arms around their legs.

Sleep in heavenly peace

Despite being submerged under the blanket and fully prepared for sleep, Ponder's eyes wouldn't close. They couldn't stop thinking about the barren floor beneath their Christmas tree. There had only been one lonely little present under the tree during the month since it was set up. The present was for one of Ponder's friends, the only one they were able to give anything to. They had to toss it to their friend from across the hallway as the two passed each other on their ways to different classes. What Ponder wouldn't give to hold their friend again, or just to have their hands graze across each other for a split second while exchanging presents. The cold temperature of the night seeped through the blanket as they stretched out slightly. How they wished there was something, someone other than that blanket to keep them warm. They chuckled ever so quietly at the forewarned irony, how they never before yearned for someone's touch so badly until they couldn't have it.

Eyelids now beginning to fall and mind slipping into the somber distance, Ponder used the last of their physical energy to sing the final line for no one to hear.

Sleep in heavenly peace