Chapter 17 - Threads of Christmas Day

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The sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the living room. Excited whispers filled the air as Matthew and Maisey crept into the shared bedroom with Donna, their faces aglow with anticipation.

"Wake up, Donna! It's Christmas!" Matthew exclaimed, bouncing on his toes.

Maisey shook her sister gently. "C'mon, Donna! Santa came! Look at the stockings!"

But as the twins buzzed with excitement, Donna curled deeper into her blankets, overwhelmed by the sudden noise and brightness. She pulled the covers over her head, wishing for a quieter world.

"Donna, it's okay," Maisey said softly, noticing her sister's distress. "We're just really happy. You can come with us!"

Eventually, with JJ and Spencer's support, Donna finally peeked out from under the blankets. Spencer offered his hand to help her out of bed and together headed downstairs.

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(A Festive Breakfast)

In the kitchen, the smell of bacon, pancakes, and cinnamon wafted through the air. Rossi had arrived early to help with breakfast, while Emily and Luke set the table with colorful decorations. Laughter bubbled around the room as they shared stories and jokes.

"Did you see the look on Matthew's face when he saw the presents?" Emily laughed, pouring orange juice into glasses.

"Priceless," Rossi replied, flipping pancakes. "It's great to see them so happy."

As the twins set the table, they occasionally glanced toward the living room, where their carefully wrapped presents awaited. Donna sat on the couch, snuggled against JJ, her head resting on her shoulder. The noise of the kitchen was still overwhelming for her, but the warmth of JJ's presence helped ground her.

After breakfast, they gathered around the table, everyone digging into the feast before them. "This is the best Christmas breakfast ever!" Maisey declared, her eyes sparkling.

"Just wait until you see what else we have planned," Luke grinned, nudging Matthew.

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(A Walk in the Town)

After breakfast, they bundled up in warm coats and hats, ready for a walk around the neighborhood. The town was decorated beautifully for the holidays—twinkling lights adorned every house, and cheerful music played from speakers hidden in the trees.

"This place looks magical!" Matthew exclaimed, taking in the sights.

Garcia twirled in her red coat, delighting in the holiday spirit. "It's like a Hallmark movie out here!" she said, her voice full of joy.

As they walked, Donna remained close to JJ and Spencer, her hand clasped tightly in theirs. She marveled at the decorations but found it hard to take it all in without feeling overwhelmed. Whenever the sounds became too loud or the crowd too close, she would squeeze their hands, a silent request for reassurance.

But as they passed a particularly busy section of the street, the noise peaked, and Donna felt the familiar wave of anxiety wash over her. Without warning, she pulled away from JJ and Spencer, trying to escape the overwhelming sensory input.

"Donna!" JJ called, but the girl was already running ahead, her heart racing.

"Why does she always do this?" Matthew shouted, frustration bubbling to the surface. "She can't just run off!"

"Matthew, stop!" Maisey said, her voice a mix of anger and concern. "She doesn't know better!"

JJ and Spencer chased after Donna, who dashed down a side street. Finally, they found her, panting and leaning against a fence, tears streaming down her cheeks. "It's okay, sweetie. You're safe now," JJ soothed, kneeling beside her. "Just breathe." She pulled out the noise-cancelling headphones they had brought along. She helped Donna put them on, and the world around her began to fade into a softer hum.

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