Otho went for the kitchen to prepare the hot chocolate but stopped on the way to turn on the Christmas tree lights. The scent of pine was strong in the living room and he filled his lungs. He loved Christmas, hated to spend it alone, but loved Christmas. The fire in the wood-burning stove had burned out a long time ago and he lit it again.
Looking around, he sighed. The crackle from the fire warmed his heart, and he turned on the TV and grinned when The Muppet Christmas Carol came on.
Heating the chocolate, he took out two cups and prepared a plate with gingerbread cookies and Peppermint Oreo Fudge.
“Mason?” He went into the bedroom, noticing Mason shaking more now than when he’d left.
“Yeah?”
“Are you okay?” Otho frowned. Perhaps they should go to the hospital.
“A bit cold, but othe
