[ His words cut the rest of hers short, and she feels equal parts relieved and still a bit sad. She is happy that Shadow is willing to spend the holiday with her...but it did sound a little less like he wanted to, and just because he was keeping her company.

Which is still nice, and it meant a lot that he would do that for her. But she also wanted him to enjoy himself too.

Well, she'll just have to make sure that he does. So with a smile, she nods and claps her hands. ]

Great! Oh, that reminds me... [ Going over to her bed, she reaches under it and pulls out a box wrapped in red and green, topped with a white bow. ] Usually gifts are opened on Christmas day, but some people open them the night before. And there doesn't seem to be a point in waiting...