The living room was quiet, save for the soft crackle of the fireplace and the rhythmic thump-thump of a wooden box being dragged across the floor. Inside were decades of memories wrapped in newspaper.
The lyrics drifted through the air like the scent of the cinnamon tea cooling on the table. Mihai paused, holding a delicate glass ornament—a red apple with faded gold glitter. He remembered being seven years old, standing on a stool while his mother held his waist, reaching for the highest branch. Colinde - Fuego - Impodobeste mama bradul
When the last star was placed atop the fir, Mihai didn't head for the door. He sat on the rug at his mother’s feet, just as he had thirty years ago. Outside, the Romanian winter was cold and unforgiving, but inside, under the branches of the decorated tree, time stood still. The living room was quiet, save for the
They worked in a slow, practiced dance. Mihai placed the heavy lights; Elena tucked the fragile heirlooms into the inner branches where they’d be safe. As the song reached its chorus—a plea to cherish these fleeting moments of togetherness—the room transformed. The shadows retreated, replaced by the flickering glow of multi-colored bulbs reflecting off the windowpane. Mihai paused, holding a delicate glass ornament—a red