The Boy Who Never Came Home

Everyone says Santa is dead.

Perth hates the way they say it softly, carefully, with pity in their eyes. As if repeating it enough times will somehow make it true.

But it isn't.

At least, that's what Perth tells himself.

He still sends Santa texts whenever something funny happens. He still turns to the empty seat beside him to tell him about his day. He still buys two drinks instead of one and catches himself saving videos he knows Santa would have loved.

Everyone else has moved on.

Perth can't.

Because how is he supposed to accept that the boy who promised to stay is suddenly gone? How is he supposed to stop looking for Santa in crowded streets, in familiar songs, in every corner of his life?

As grief slowly consumes him, Perth finds himself trapped between the memories of what they had and the reality he refuses to face.

After all, if he lets go of Santa, what will he have left?

A heartbreaking story about love, loss, and the impossible task of saying goodbye to someone whose presence still feels woven into every part of your life.