Sophie struggled to keep her balance as she carried the Christmas tree down the narrow attic stairs. Her arms ached, and each step reminded her just how much had changed this year.

This would be her first Christmas without Frank. The house, once alive with his hearty laugh and the cozy aroma of his cinnamon coffee, now felt too quiet, too empty.

Placing the tree in the living room, Sophie brushed her forehead and exhaled deeply. She was determined to make this season magical for her seven-year-old son, Matthew, even if her own heart wasn’t in it. His excitement for Christmas, with its sparkling lights and whimsical traditions, had always been contagious. Frank would’ve wanted her to keep that joy alive for him.

Opening a dusty box of decorations, Sophie’s fingers brushed against familiar ornaments. Her breath caught as she lifted the Elf on the Shelf, its mischievous grin staring back at her. Memories of Frank setting up the elf with tiny marshmallow snowmen or dangling it from the bookshelf flooded her mind. Matthew’s laughter at the elf’s antics echoed in her thoughts, bringing a bittersweet smile to her face.

A buzz from her phone broke her reverie.

@Mom:
How are you two holding up?

@Sophie:
It’s hard managing everything on my own, but we’re okay.

As Sophie set the phone down, the doorbell rang. Her heart sank when she opened the door to find Rachel, her mother-in-law, standing there with a suitcase.

“What… what are you doing here?” Sophie asked, her voice edged with surprise.

“I thought I’d keep you company for Christmas,” Rachel said, stepping in uninvited. “It seemed like you could use the help.”

Sophie crossed her arms. “We’re doing fine on our own.”

Rachel placed her suitcase near the door, her gaze sweeping over the room. “Are you really? This house feels so sad without Frank. I can’t imagine Matthew spending Christmas like this.”

Sophie’s jaw tightened. “You don’t get to say that. I’m doing my best.”

“I’m not here to judge,” Rachel said. “I just thought you’d want some support.”

As Rachel wandered into the living room, she admired the decorations before her eyes landed on the elf. She picked it up, turning it in her hands. “This little guy always watches everything, doesn’t he?”

Sophie felt an uneasy twinge at Rachel’s words but dismissed it, focusing instead on Matthew’s arrival home. His delight at the Christmas decorations brought a flicker of relief, but it didn’t last. Rachel immediately took over, commenting on how Matthew hung his coat or washed his hands.

“Your mom lets you do it this way? No wonder it’s a mess,” she sighed.

Sophie clenched her teeth, silently repeating to herself, Just a few more days.

The next morning brought another knock at the door. Sophie groggily opened it to find her own mother, Liz, standing there with a small bag.

“Mom? What are you doing here?” Sophie asked, her voice weary.

“I thought you could use some company,” Liz replied, stepping inside.

“You’re not the only one,” Sophie muttered under her breath.

When Liz learned Rachel was already there, her frown deepened. “Well, it’s a good thing I came. You’ll need someone on your side.”