Rayne stood there, staring at the window. The ground outside was blanketed white, and it was quiet... almost heavenly to look at. With a sigh she hung one last ornament on the tree. While the view outside was beautiful, the view inside her house was bare save for the one tree she had just finished decorating. There were no presents, no holiday cookies, and no other decorations to be seen. The only thing there was one very, very small tree that sat on top of her mantle.

Any friends that she had were busy spending time with their families, enjoying the holiday season. The house was empty, save for herself and that small tree. It was a sad realization to be had, so close to Christmas. She was alone, much like she always was. With a deep breath, she took a seat next to the mantle.. letting the small lights on the tree reflect in her eyes. There was a way to not be alone.. she knew that. She knew that offer made to her just the day before was still open, and she could have a stone. She could have someone to look forward to seeing each day.. someone to bake cookies for and someone to care for. All it would take is one little inbueing, and they would each have a stone to call their own. Until this holiday, she wasn't quite sure about being a parent.. but maybe now was the right time. She was finished school and had a whole life ahead of her... she could share that life with someone else.

She smiled gently, reaching out a hand to cradle an ornament on the tree. Perhaps next Christmas wouldn't... be so lonely. She would have to contact that person from earlier afterall.