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Ederson poured himself a cup of tea and settled comfortably into his armchair. It was good to be home, he thought, where everything was cosy and warm and far more personal than a hotel. Not that he had issues with hotels, but it was far less fun travelling and staying in a hotel for a game he wouldn't even play in.
Ding, dong, went the doorbell out of the blue.
Now who would be visiting him at this time? It sure wasn't any of his City teammates. When it came to the team, Ederson was a linchpin of the tactical system, but drifted to the sidelines when it came to off-pitch interactions.
He grabbed the baseball bat he kept near the door and opened up, shivering at the cold wind. There was nobody there, but there was a large basket on the doorstep, wrapped in cellophane and tied with a dark blue velvet ribbon.
Well, this was unexpected. Ederson shrugged and took the basket inside, setting it on the kitchen table to further examine it. The basket itself looked store-bought, but the note attached to the handle was anything but standard.
Dear Edinho,
I know, I KNOW, it isn't Christmas yet. But with all these games and busy schedules, we won't get to hang out as much. Now, I don't want you to be lonely, so I figured this might cheer you up!!!
Seu amigo,
Ali
P.S.: There's a special surprise at the bottom 😉
Ederson shook his head in fond amusement. If there was anybody who would send a beautifully embellished care package even though the drive time between their homes was barely an hour, it was Alisson. Setting the note aside, he began to unpack the basket.
There was a box of chocolate pralines, a dark green suede journal, and a glittery snowflake ornament that looked like the one on Ederson's favourite sweater. There were two candles in tinted jars, one cranberry-scented and one pine-scented, and a box of hot chocolate bombs. Below those were three pairs of fuzzy socks, a knitted hat with a pom-pom, a tiny succulent in a painted terracotta pot, a reindeer-themed eye mask, and an Advent calendar.
How did Ali fit all this into one basket?! Ederson thought to himself as he tried on the hat and socks. Both were perfect fits. More importantly, how does he know my foot and head size?
But the best surprise was at the bottom. Nestled among red and green crepe paper was a pastry box with four cranberry muffins--his very favourite--as well as a card.
Dear Edi,
First of all, I want to point out that Guardiola is an absolute DUMMKOPF for benching you. (No matter how much City dropping points brings us joy, muahahaha.)
I thought you could use some cheering up, and since I can't travel too much now, I figured I'd do this instead. I added the recipe on the back since I know you love these muffins.
If we don't see each other before Christmas, consider this as your present. Happy holidays 😊
Mit freundlichen Grüße,
Mona
Ederson bit into one of the muffins, allowing the aromas of cranberry and orange to permeate his senses. He couldn't wait to make some more muffins--but first, he had something to do.
He searched his drawers for a pen and paper, sat at the table, and began to write.
Dear Ali...