A Bet That Changed Us ︱Pablo Gavi

87: A Christmas keepsake

It was Christmas Eve, and the apartment was a haven of festive warmth. Soft lights twinkled around the room, casting a gentle glow on the decorated tree. The scent of cinnamon and pine lingered in the air, mingling with the comforting aroma of hot cocoa.

I sat on the couch, wrapped in a cozy blanket, sipping on my cup of cocoa while Pablo busied himself in the kitchen. The sounds of him humming Christmas tunes as he prepared a special holiday meal filled the apartment. It was one of those perfect, quiet evenings that seemed to encapsulate everything I loved about the holidays—simple, intimate, and filled with love.

Pablo emerged from the kitchen with a mischievous grin, carrying a small, neatly wrapped gift. He sat down next to me, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I have something for you," he said, handing me the present.

I took the gift, its weight and size suggesting something sentimental. "You didn't have to get me anything," I said, my voice tinged with surprise.

"Trust me," he replied, his smile widening. "Open it."

With careful hands, I unwrapped the gift. Inside was a beautifully framed collage of photos, each capturing a different moment from our time together. There were pictures of our adventures, our quiet nights in, and our special memories. The frame itself was elegant, adorned with a delicate, gold trim that added a touch of sophistication.

I looked at each photo, my heart swelling with emotion. There was the picture of us at the beach, Pablo with the hibiscus flower tucked behind my ear, another of us laughing together at a café, and one of us wrapped in each other's arms after a long day. Each image was a reminder of the love and joy we had shared, a visual representation of our journey together.

"This is amazing," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "Thank you."

"I wanted to give you something that reminded you of all the beautiful moments we've shared," Pablo said softly. "It's been an incredible journey, and I wanted to make sure you know how much those moments mean to me."

I leaned in, kissing him gently. "You've already given me so much," I whispered against his lips. "This is just the cherry on top."

Pablo's eyes were full of affection as he wrapped his arms around me. "You make every day special," he said. "I'm just grateful to be able to share these moments with you."

We spent the rest of the evening nestled together, enjoying the holiday spirit and the comfort of each other's company. The photo collage was placed prominently on the mantel, a beautiful reminder of our shared memories and the love that continued to grow between us.

As we relaxed, I felt a deep sense of contentment and joy. Christmas was always a time for reflection and celebration, and this year, it felt even more meaningful with Pablo by my side. His gift wasn't just a collection of photos—it was a reflection of our journey, a testament to our love, and a promise of many more memories to come.

Christmas Day dawned crisp and clear, the soft morning light filtering through the windows of our cozy apartment. I woke up to the gentle hum of Pablo moving around in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The smell of fresh coffee and pastries wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of pine from the Christmas tree that stood proudly in the living room.

I stretched and yawned, slipping out of bed and padding into the living room. Pablo was already there, carefully arranging gifts under the tree. He turned and flashed a bright smile when he saw me. "Good morning," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Good morning," I replied, smiling back. I wrapped myself in a blanket, still feeling the warm fuzziness of sleep. "What's all this?"

"Christmas morning gifts," Pablo said with a grin. "I've been waiting for you to wake up so we can start the festivities."