After her husband’s death, a 20-year-old woman and her 3-month-old son ended up on the street…

That’s right. That same evening, after putting Alex to bed, Mindy took out a photo album with pictures of John. They sat on the living room sofa and she showed the photos, telling stories from their life together.

This was our first camping trip. Mindy smiled, showing a photo where she and John, very young, were standing by a tent. John didn’t even know how to set up a tent.

We got soaked in the rain while figuring out those silly poles. And here’s our wedding. Modest, almost without guests.

John’s parents were against it, thinking we were too young. Photo after photo, story after story, like pieces of a mosaic forming the portrait of a man who was no longer there, but whose memory would always live on. Thank you for sharing this with me, Andrew said softly when the album was closed.

He really was a special person. Yes, Mindy nodded, wiping away a tear. But you know what I realized over this past year? Life goes on.

As cliche as it sounds, it really does go on. And we have to keep living. For Alex, for myself, and for John, who would want us to be happy.

Andrew gently wrapped his arms around her shoulders and Mindy did not pull away. For the first time in a long while, she felt she could allow herself to be vulnerable, to share her pain with someone else who would understand and support her. That evening, Andrew left late.

They talked a lot about the past, the present, and the future. And although nothing was decided, Mindy felt she had taken an important step forward. Summer turned to autumn, and autumn to winter.

The new year was approaching, the first one Alex would celebrate consciously, understanding the meaning of the holiday. Mindy decided to throw a real family celebration, inviting everyone who had become dear to her during that difficult year. She asked Andrew to help choose and set up the Christmas tree.

He arrived on Saturday morning with a huge fluffy fir tree that barely fit into the elevator. Where did you find such a beauty? Mindy asked admiringly, looking at the tree. I have my secrets, Andrew winked, setting the tree into a special stand.

They spent the whole day decorating the tree, hanging garlands, and preparing treats. Alex got underfoot, trying to help but mostly getting in the way. However, no one got upset.

His genuine childlike delight at the blinking lights and shiny ornaments filled the house with a special warmth. In the evening, when everything was ready and tired Alex had fallen asleep, Mindy and Andrew sat on the couch, admiring the result of their work. It turned out beautiful, said Mindy.

Thank you for your help. Always happy to help, Andrew smiled. You know, I haven’t felt this at home in a long time.

Since my parents moved to another city, New Year’s was just another day off for me. Mindy looked at him with interest. Why do you never talk about yourself, your family, your past? Andrew shrugged…