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“Few more days till Christmas, huh?” Captain Fowler said to Gavin as they were both leaving the precinct for the night. “Got any plans?”
Gavin shrugged. “Nope, not really. I usually hang out with Tina, but she’s spending it at her girlfriend’s this year.”
“All by yourself on Christmas?” Fowler said a little shocked. “Well, son, why don’t you come over to my house. We’d be happy to have you.”
“Oh no, sir.” Gavin protested. “I wouldn’t want to intrude. I’ll be fine.”
“Nonsense, Reed. You’re coming over to my house.” Fowler insisted.
Gavin opened his mouth to decline again, but the fight left him when Captain Fowler gave him a stern look. “I’ll bring a bottle of wine.” Gavin said instead.
So, three days later, Gavin had ironed his only nice shirt and was standing at the front door with a bottle in hand. Anxiously, he rang the doorbell and ran a quick hand through his hair as he waited for the door to open.
“Gavin! Come in.” Fowler’s wife greeted him.
“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Fowler.” Gavin said with a nervous smile and handed over the bottle of wine.
When he walked inside, everything looked and felt warm and inviting. The smells coming from the kitchen were absolutely divine. The room was lit up with muted warm yellow light and candles. The tree in the corner of the living room twinkled its lights and was adorned with beautifully decorated baubles and ornaments. Gavin had never known a Christmas like this. A family all gathered together to celebrate and feast, finding warmth in the midst of winter. He felt severely out of place.
“Reed!” Captain Fowler greeted him with a clap on his shoulder and guided him to the dining table.
“Captain.” Gavin said back with a small nod.
“Tonight, just call me Jeffrey.” Captain Fowler said and laughed.
The night went by with lots of great food, many stories, and something in Gavin’s chest swelling and warming. Until the whole family gathered on the huge sectional (and some extra chairs pulled up) to swap gifts. Gavin felt caught off guard, no one told him anything about gifs so he didn’t bring any.
While the family talked and exchanged presents, Captain Fowler silently handed Gavin a slim rectangular box. “Here you go, son.” Fowler said.
Gavin’s mouth gaped open a little and his eyes went wide as he accepted the box.
“Oh, I- uh. Thank you.” Gavin said in earnest. “I’m sorry. I have nothing to give you.” Gavin said as he frowned and curled in on himself.
Fowler shook his head and waved his hand in a dismissive manner. “Don’t worry, Gavin. Just open it.”
Gavin carefully picked off the tape on the wrapping paper and folded it open to reveal the cardboard box. He took off the lid to find a baby blue dress shirt with faint stripes. He’d never wear it, he wouldn’t even know where to wear it. It was the ugliest thing he’s ever seen.
Gavin had never loved anything more.
He looked up at Fowler, fighting the water that was welling up in his eyes and sniffled once.
“Thank you, sir.” Gavin said with a slight wobble in his voice.
“You’re welcome, Gavin.” Fowler said, his tone low and fatherly.
It was the best Christmas Gavin had ever had.