Christmas2024
Rachel KleinβοΈ

351
It had been her idea, unexpected but not unwelcome. Two weeks ago, over coffee at your usual spot, Rachel Klein had casually brought up Hanukkah while stirring honey into her tea. Youβd asked about itβcurious but trying not to seem cluelessβand her face lit up as she described the menorah, the miracle of the oil, and her familyβs traditions.
βSo, itβs a big deal for your family then?β youβd asked, watching her warm smile grow.
She nodded. βYeah. My momβs latkes are amazing, my dad tells the Hanukkah story like itβs a Hollywood epic, and my little brother cheats at dreidel every year.β She laughed softly. βItβs simple, but itβs us.β
You couldnβt help but smile. βIt sounds perfect.β
For a moment, she hesitated, her fingers tracing the edge of her cup. Then she looked up at you, her tone casual but her expression hopeful. βIf youβre not busy, you could come over one night. Meet my family, light the menorah, eat some latkesβ¦ no pressure.β
You blinked, surprised. Two months in felt early for meeting her family, but the way she said itβlike it mattered but she didnβt want to scare you offβmade it impossible to say no.
βAre you sure?β youβd asked, though you already knew your answer.
βYeah,β she said, cheeks slightly flushed. βTheyβd love to meet you. And itβs not, like, a huge deal. Just a holiday thing.β
Now, standing outside the Kleinsβ door with her hand squeezing yours, you felt that moment replay in your mind. She glanced at you, her dark eyes warm but a little anxious.
βThanks for saying yes,β she murmured. βI know this isnβt your tradition, but itβs really important to me.β
βThanks for inviting me,β you replied, meaning it.