On the eve of Thanksgiving, the city was a hive of activity and warmth, and I could feel it all around. Families gathered to celebrate, couples walked hand in hand, and holiday lights sparkled in every window. However, I could not get rid of the loneliness that seemed to worsen with each step I took as I strolled through the snow-covered streets.

I stopped in front of a storefront adorned with lovely glass decorations, and the air was crisp. I chuckled to myself as I recalled how my mother and I used to select one for our tree each year while enjoying hot chocolate and watching vintage holiday films. However, without her, the house felt empty this year.

A Chance Encounter

I saw an older woman trudging through the snow with her bulky suitcase dragging in her wake. Unconsciously, I crossed the street to assist when something within me stirred.

“Ma’am, do you need some help?” I inquired.

She raised her head, relief shining in her weary eyes. “Oh, sweetie, may you be blessed. My name is Edie. I… arrived to give my daughter Melody a Thanksgiving surprise. Years have passed.

“That sounds wonderful,” I smiled. “Would you like me to walk with you?”

Her expression brightened. “Oh, yes, I’d be so grateful.”

We started walking together, and I felt a small feeling of purpose for the first time in a long time. It was an opportunity to do something nice and connect with someone else on a night many people believed should be spent together.

The Boss’s Constant Demands

My phone buzzed as we walked. “Arthur” appeared on the screen in a flash—my supervisor.

I let out a groan, burdened by his constant requests. Edie took a quick look at my phone.

“You should take that, dear,” she said. “He sounds lonely.”

“It’s just my boss,” I said a little reluctantly. “He’s… not usually calling about anything pleasant.”

Edie gave a little laugh. “Bosses rarely are, are they?”

“Probably wants me to do something ridiculous,” I said. “Like… buy a Christmas tree for him or decorate his house.”

She arched an eyebrow and asked, “On Thanksgiving Eve?” “Goodness, he sounds demanding.”

I grinned, but it was a frustrated smile. “Yeah, but tonight, I’d rather help you.”

Appreciation softened her gaze. “Thank you, my love. Melody will be astonished…”

A Detour to the Shop

Edie abruptly stopped while we were walking. Worriedly, she said, “Oh dear, I almost forgot. “I can’t arrive without anything! Melody would be unhappy.

I answered, “Of course,” while looking around. “Let’s find something special.”

We saw a tiny store with gentle light streaming in from its windows. The shelves within were stocked with various presents, ranging from delicate trinkets to warm scarves. Edie strolled into the store leisurely, carefully examining the items.

Once more, my phone buzzed. Arthur has another message. I ignored the mounting stress because I wanted to be with Edie in the moment.

“Is that your boss again?” Edie looked at my phone and inquired.

“Yeah,” I rolled my eyes and said. “I think he wants me to get back to the office. But for now, I’ll disregard him.”

“Good,” Edie remarked, grinning strategically. “A gift deserves some thought.”

She kept looking through the items, focusing on one after the other, but something needed to look better. Then, when she picked up a fragile glass ornament painted with a scene from a winter woodland, her countenance brightened.

She held it out to me and said, “What about this?” “Do you like it?”

I observed it for a time, my heart softening as it reminded me of quiet winter evenings spent with my parents.

I uttered, “I love it,” “In particular, ornaments featuring painted landscapes bring back memories of spending the holidays with my mother. Every year, we would choose one.

Edie grinned. After saying, “Then let’s get two,” she extended one to me. “One for you and one for Melody.”

“Oh, Edie, I couldn’t…” I began to object.

However, she dismissively waved her hand. “It’s absurd. Don’t these tiny things keep us warm on the inside?

Arriving at Melody’s Home

At last, we carefully held our decorations as we left the store. The snow had started to fall more heavily, and I was excited for her when we arrived at the house that Edie had previously indicated. This reunion would be so sweet; I could only dream.

“Here we are,” I welcomed her with a smile. “Ready?”

Edie nodded, tears glimmering in her eyes. “Oh, I see, my love. Melody will be astonished…”

When I rang the bell, a young woman answered the door. She gazed at us, her brow wrinkled.

She said, “Uh, can I help you?”

Edie took a step nearer, her voice shaking with anticipation. “My beloved Melody! Mom is here! I’m here to give you a Thanksgiving surprise!”

The young lady’s expression dimmed. I apologize, but my mother has already arrived. You seem to be living in the incorrect house.

I felt a bottomless pit rise in my gut as Edie’s face crumbled. The young woman looked at us pityingly and then shut the door softly.

My heart sank when I realized what had just transpired, and I turned to face Edie.

“Edie,” I softly replied, “you… you don’t have a daughter named Melody, do you?”

Her gaze fell to the floor. She blushed with embarrassment and refused to look into my eyes.

My pulse was racing, and I could feel the pain of betrayal. I was going to say something when my phone buzzed once more. The name Arthur appeared on the screen.

A Job Lost and a Day Ruined

I replied it grudgingly. “Fiona, I need you back in the office now,” Arthur said. “If you don’t return immediately, consider this your last day.”

I took a deep breath. My annoyance at Arthur’s incessant demands erupted, and I was upset with Edie for exploiting my pity. But I was more concerned about losing my job.

“Let’s go, Edie,” I whispered. “I have to get to work.”

We drove quietly, the air between us heavy with unspoken words, and Edie remained silent.

Arthur was waiting in the office, his face flushed with rage. He scoffed, “Finally decided to show up?” “You believe that this position is a farce? Running about town, ignoring my calls?”

I said, “I was helping someone,” in a firm voice. “I thought it was important.”

Arthur laughed. “Aiding? Fiona, this isn’t a charity. You’re fired. Get your belongings in order.

I gathered my belongings in startled stillness as the words struck me like a slap. As I was leaving, I noticed Edie strolling about Arthur’s office, looking at the decorations on his desk.

I yelled, “Edie,” as my tolerance wore thin. “Enough. I attempted to assist you, but this entire day was a ruse, wasn’t it?

I wasn’t in the mood to forgive her, even if her face softened with sadness as she gazed at me. I turned to summon for her a cab.

A Surprising Invitation

I came home later that evening to find my apartment deserted. I felt the pressure of the day. I had yet to set the table, let alone cook anything for Thanksgiving. And now I was unemployed.

My thoughts were interrupted by a loud knock on the door. When I opened it, I was startled to see Arthur standing there with the bit of glass ornament Edie had given me earlier.

“Arthur? Why are you here? Stunned, I inquired.

He raised the ornament, rotating it between his palms to illuminate the snow-covered, painted woodland.

He said, “I found this on my desk,” in a softer tone than usual. “I didn’t realize something so small could make me… feel something.” He hesitated. “I simply wanted to express my gratitude. Additionally, I apologize for my actions.

I stared in shock, finding it difficult to comprehend what was happening. Arthur said, “I didn’t have any plans tonight,” after making an odd foot shuffle. And I suppose it dawned on me that no one should endure Thanksgiving alone.

After a short interval, I tentatively smiled. “Would you like to join me for dinner?”

After hesitating, Arthur returned the smile. “Just if it’s okay with you. I acknowledge that I haven’t always been a pleasure to deal with.

I returned the smile, experiencing the day’s first glimmer of warmth. “I had intended to visit Edie. I suspect that she may be alone herself tonight as well.

When Arthur said, “Then let’s go together,” his tone softened.

A New Beginning

When we got to Edie’s house, it was warm and smelled like a Thanksgiving meal. Old family portraits lined the walls of her comfortable home. With sparkling eyes, Edie grinned at us.

She remarked, “I didn’t expect company tonight.” “It would have been my daughter’s favorite holiday.”

Arthur placed a hand on her shoulder. “Let’s then make it truly memorable for her.

Edie gave me a gentle grin as we sat down to eat. “I selected these ornaments for both you and the persistent caller. People occasionally want a gentle reminder that they are not alone.

I looked at Arthur, and he looked back at me with a gentleness I had never noticed before. I became aware that the holiday had not gone as planned at that very moment. In a way, though, it had turned into one of my favorite Thanksgiving dinners ever.

We ate dinner together that evening, and the room was full of laughter. And I didn’t feel so alone for the first time in a long