Author's Note

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all. And here's a very special Hearthwarming special, courtesy of XCOM! This occurs at the end of this story, so be aware for spoilers.

A XCOM Kind of Christmas

Applejack’s eyes snapped open as something jumped on her bed, “Wake up, AJ! It’s Hearth’s Warming Day!” exclaimed Applebloom.

After getting over her shock, she cracked a smile and chuckled, “Ah’m up. Ah’m up. Is Amiyah?”

“Yeah! She’s in th’ kitchen helpin’ Granny.”

“Well, let’s go!” Applejack hopped out of bed. She followed the bouncing Applebloom, giggling softly. She arrived downstairs and went into the kitchen. Amiyah was indeed helping Granny Smith with cooking, “Mornin’, Amiyah!”

Amiyah turned partly to her, still focusing on prepping the potatoes she was working on, “Good morning, AJ. How are you this morning?”

Applejack smiled at her, “Ah’m doin’ jus’ fine, thanks. Need any help?”

“We could always use some help!” said Granny Smith, “Y’can help by startin’ by making th’ pecan pie.”

“Alrighty.”

Applebloom helped Applejack making the pie. It took most of the morning, but they eventually prepared all of the Hearth’s Warming dinner.

And not a moment too soon, as the first of the guests arrived. It was Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Jarle. Pinkie was bouncing up and down, “Happy Hearth’s Warming, AJ!”

Jarle, grinning, looked at Amiayh, “Merry Christmas, Amiyah.”

“Merry Christmas, Jarle. The others are coming, right?”

“Yeah. Mox and Shen were working on something with Rarity. They said they’ll be a bit late.”

“Okay.”

“Well c’mon on in! It’s mighty cold outside,” said Applejack.

They came inside, wiping their boots. Jarle sniffed, “Is that...sweet potato?”

“Yep,” said Applejack, “It’s a pie. There’s also pecan pie. Y’can thank Applebloom fer th’ sweet potato pie. She did most o’ th’ work.”

“It smells great,” Jarle grinned at her.

“Aw, it was nothin’,” said Applebloom.

The door knocked again as the previous arrivals put their presents under the tree. Arthur, Tygan, Bradford, and the rest of the Element bearers, Spike included, arrived. Tygan, after taking off his coat and putting his presents under the tree noticed it was bare, “Why is the tree not decorated? Do ponies not decorate trees for Christ- Hearth’s Warming?”

“It’s a pony tradition to decorate the tree together with friends and family,” said Twilight, “We’ll decorate it when Rarity, Shen, and Mox arrive. Speaking of which....where are they?”

“They said they’d be late,” said Amiyah.

“Well,” started Applejack, “Ah got somethin’ fer ya’ll while we wait.”

She trotted to a cabinet in the family room. She opened it and pulled out a box. She opened it, “It’s pony tradition ta hang dolls o’er th’ fireplace.”

“Dolls?” said Bradford.

She pulled out a crocheted doll, which resembled Bradford, “Usually ya make yer own dolls, but since ya’ll weren’t familiar wit’ Hearth’s Warmin’ tradition, Ah made ‘em mahself.”

“They’re lovely,” said Fluttershy.

“How’d you do it with hooves?” asked Jarle.

“Dunno. Ah jus’ do it.”

Applejack pushed box to the group. She hoofed Bradford his doll as the others retrieved theirs. Tygan adjusted his glasses, “They are very detailed. I’m surprised hooves could accomplish this.”

“Ah may not be able ta make dresses, but Ah can sew when it counts.”

“Soo,” said Jarle, fiddling with his doll, “What do we do with them again?”

“We hang ‘em on the fireplace mantel. Dun really know why or how it started…”

“I know,” said Twilight. Everyone gave her attention, “It’s figurative. The fireplace represents the warmth of Friendship, connecting friends and family alike. Which is why we put them over the fireplace so they’ll get warm. Don’t know when it started, though.”

“Huh,” said Jarle, looking down at his doll, “The more you know…”

Applejack went over to the fireplace and put her doll on the mantel. She stared at it. It was clean, free of scars. She sighed inwardly before stepping aside to let others do the same.

After the last one, Fluttershy’s, was placed, the door knocked. Applejack brightened, “That must be Shen an’ th’ others.”

Applejack trotted to the door and opened it with a beaming smile, “Howdy ya’ll! C’mon in!”

The three latecomers eagerly accepted the invitation. Rarity held up a gift-wrapped box in the magical grasp. She took off her scarf and coat and smile at Applejack, “I’m terribly sorry for us being late.”

Applejack waved off the apology, “Aw, ya dun hafta apologize, Rares. It’s meh who should apologize. Ah put up yer doll up fer ya.”

“That’s quite alright, Applejack.”

“Dolls?” asked Shen.

Applejack pointed at the fireplace. Amiyah and Shen moved to the mantel, staring at their own dolls, “These are really detailed, AJ. How’d you do it?”

“Funny, Tygan jus’ asked that,” Applejack shrugged, “Dunno. Jus’ do it.”

Applebloom tugged on Rarity’s leg, “Where’s Sweetie Belle?”

Rarity smiled down at her, “She’s at our parents house. I believe Scootaloo is doing the same.”

Applebloom frowned before Applejack’s hoof ruffled the filly’s mane, “Ah know whut’ll cheer ya up. Let’s decorate th’ tree!”

“I call the star!” said Jarle, “You guys put stars on the top, right?”

Applejack nodded, “Yep. Dunno how you’ll get it on, though. Th’ tree’s kinda tall.”

Jarle grinned, “I’ve been practicing.”

“Practicing what?” asked Fluttershy.

Jarle’s hand glowed and everybody stepped back. Jarle’s face scrunched up in concentration as as the star was unsteadily lifted into the air. Jarle opened his eyes, “Surprise! I’m a Jedi now!”

Amiyah crossed her arms and whistled, “Nice trick, Jarle.”

Jarle let the star down, “Spent the last two weeks practicing that.”

Pinkie Pie, who had been bouncing up and down in anticipation, “C’mon! Let’s decorate the tree!”

A set of boxes were pulled out by the Apple family, each containing ornaments. Many laughs were had as they decorated the tree.

“Alright everybody,” said Applejack as they finished admiring the tree, “We still have some time befer dinner, so let’s go sleddin’!”

Mox tilted his head, “Sledding?”

“Ya’ll dun go sleddin’?”

“We do,” said Jarle, “But it’s mostly kids who do that,”

“So you should feel right at home, Jarle,” said Amiyah with a grin. Pinkie and Rainbow Dash snickered. Amiyah turned to Applejack, “What Jarle said, though, is somewhat true. Most adults don’t go sledding unless their kids are with them. But…” Amiyah shifted, “I’ve haven’t actually gone sledding before. I’m kinda curious what it’s like.”

Applejack smiled, “Then Ah’ll be glad ta show ya!”

“I-I’d like to pass...please,” said Fluttershy.

“I’ll keep her company,” said Rarity.

“Alright. Alright, ya’ll. Ah have th’ sleds in th’ back.”

“I do not know what ‘sledding’ is,” said Mox as they moved through the house.

“It’s when ya ride on somethin’ down a hill covered in snow!” said Applebloom.

“And it is enjoyable?”

“Yep! Get’s ya blood pumpin’!”

She started to leave. Most of them immediately followed them. Only Tygan and Bradford hesitated before moving to catch up. Applejack showed them the sleds, a couple of wooden Toboggans.

“Alright, we don’t have a lot so ya’ll need ta pair up. Once ya do, Ah’ll show you th’ hill.”

They paired up in twos: Tygan and Twilight, Bradford and Arthur, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Amiyah, Mox and Jarle, Big Macintosh and Applebloom, and Shen and Spike.

They followed Applejack for a few minutes before coming to a hill, “That’s the hill?” asked Jarle. It wasn’t very big.

“Nope,” replied Applejack, the corners of her mouth turning up.

“Ooh, I know what hill she’s talkin’ about,” said Applebloom. Applejack put a hoof to her lips, smirking. Applebloom giggled and nodded.

They walked for a few more minutes before another hill came into view. Applejack stopped and pointed at it, “That’s th’ hill.”

The humans and ex-ADVENT stared wide-eyed at it. It was easily the largest hill around, and very steep. Jarle gulped, “A-are you sure?”

Applejack glanced back at him, a smile on her face, “What? Ah thought y’said mostly kids sled. Ah’m jus’ tryin’ ta make it more adult-like.”

“O-oh…”

Applejack turned to Twilight, “Y’think ya can teleport us up there?”

Twilight nodded, “Yep. I’ve been practicing teleporting.”

Everybody stepped closer to each other per instructions from Twilight. She closed her eyes and her horn glowed. With a loud pop, they disappeared and reappeared a yard off the ground. They all landed with a thud, with the exception of those who had wings. Twilight laughed sheepishly and scratched the back of her head, “S-sorry. Looks like I need to tweak the spell some more.”

Applejack spat out snow, chuckling, “That’s fine, Twi. No harm done.”

Applejack got up along with the others. She turned to Mox, “Y’wanna go first?”

Mox glanced down the hill, “I’m still unsure...but I will defer to your choice.”

“Woah, wait a minute!” said Jarle, “Why us first?”

“Well, Ah thought Ah’d show ya how fun sleddin’ can be.”

“...this is because I made that ‘sledding is for kids’ remark, isn’t it?”

“It might be.”

Amiyah elbowed Jarle lightly, “C’mon. I’m sure it’ll be fun.”

Jarle stared down the hill, “Fun...yeah…”

The got into position, Mox in the front, and a nervous Jarle in the back. Amiyah grinned at him, “Are you ready?”

“No. I really thiIIIIIIINNNNKKK!!!”

Applejack shoved the sled forward, and they sped down the hill. Jarle let out a girlish scream. Mox’s already large eyes were huge.

“TOO FAST! TOO FAST! AAAAAHH!!!” screamed Jarle, holding onto Mox for dear life.

Meanwhile, Applejack smirked while Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie laughed at Jarle girly screams. Applejack turned to Twilight, “You an’ Tygan should probably go next so ya can teleport ‘em back up.”

Twilight wasn’t feeling all that nervous; she had wings. She looked to Tygan, “You up for it?”

“I-I suppose we will find out,” They got on the sled and Applejack helped push them down.

Meanwhile, Jarle was still screaming like a girl. Mox, on the other hand, was smiling. Applebloom had been right. This was fun.

The sled hit a bump, sending both of them flying. Jarle managed to scream even louder and in a higher pitch. They were both filled with a weightless feeling before gravity came back. They slammed back into the ground, somehow managing not to wipe out.

The end of the hill drew closer and closer until they finally reached the base. They slid a couple more feet before Mox slowed them down with his arms. They stopped. Mox was all smiles, “That was enjoyable!”

Jarle, meanwhile, was holding onto the sled with a death grip, “eeeeeeeeeee,”

Twilight and Tygan arrived and stopped near them. Tygan was slightly shaken at going at such speeds. Twilight noticed Jarle, “Is Jarle okay?”

“Eeeeeeeeeeee,”

“I believe Jarle will recover.”

“If you say so…”

“Eeeeeeeee”

“weeeeEEEEEEEEE!!!” Pinkie and Rainbow Dash slid past them, narrowly missing Twilight who flew into the air on reflex. Neither Pinkie nor Rainbow Dash attempted to slow down, happy enough to let the sled to do it by itself.

Twilight landed as Shen and Spike arrived. Shen’s eyes were wide, but had a smile on her face, “That...was a rush.”

Applebloom and Big Macintosh arrived, Applebloom latched onto the red stallion’s neck giggling.

Meanwhile, Arthur got into position. He looked back, “Coming, John?”

Bradford stiffened, “Yes, Sir.”

Arthur smiled sadly, “We’re off duty, John. You don’t have to call me that.”

“...right...sorry.”

Bradford got on the sled. Arthur pushed back, moving them forward. They quickly gained speed, both holding onto each other for dear life, “I’m too old for this!” yelled Bradford over the wind.

“You’re never too old to have fun, John!” replied Arthur.

Applejack smiled as she saw her friends enjoying themselves. She looked to Amiyah, “Y’ready fer yer first time sleddin’?”

Amiyah nervously nodded. Applejack trotted to her sled, Amiyah following behind her. Sitting in the front, she glanced back at her, “Y’ready?”

Amiyah looked over her shoulder and down the hill. She gulped, “I-I guess”

Applejack grinned, and shoved forward, sending them sliding down hill, “YEEHAW!!!”

Amiyah held onto the Earth Pony as if her life depended on it. Applejack glanced back at her, “Ya alright, sugarcube?!”

“Yeah!-Watch out!”

A tree was up ahead and Applejack reacted by leaning to the side. Amiyah did the same and they swerved around the tree. This led them pointing at the ramp Mox and Jarle jumped. Applejack decided that Amiyah wasn’t ready for that yet, and leaned the other way to avoid it.

Applejack glanced back at her fillyfriend. Amiyah was squinting in the cold wind but grinning widely. Their journey ended when the toboggan dipped a bit to low, sending them both flying forward.

The two grunted as they rolled down the hill, sending snow flying. They quickly stopped, dazed. Applejack recovered, “Y-Ya alright, Ami?”

Amiyah sat up, shaking her head free of snow, “Y-yeah...got snow in my coat, though.”

Applejack spotted Rainbow Dash flying to them and got an idea, “Hey, Amiyah...y’know whut a snowball fight is?”

“Yeah. Why-oh…” she said, quickly catching on and grinning.

Rainbow Dash flew to them, worry on her face. Amiyah and Applejack grinned each other and nodded. Rainbow squawked as two snowballs hit her in the face. She wiped her face, eyes narrowing, “So...it’s gonna be like that…”

She threw her head back, “SNOWBALL FIGHT!!!”

“Wait, what?” said Jarle, who had recovered. Not enough, it seemed, as he was beaned in the head by Pinkie.

Things quickly spun into chaos. Twilight barely got up a magical shield before Pinkie set her sights on her, “Tygan! Help!”

“I…!” Tygan got hit in the head with a ‘biff!’. He narrowed his eyes at the grinning Shen.

Tygan bent down and started to form a snowball as perfectly round as he could. Unfortunately, Shen did not care in the same level of quality. She hit him two more times before Tygan abandoned the notion of quality as well and just started slugging snowballs down range.

Meanwhile, a snowball whizzed by Arthur’s ear. He turned to see who had threw it. Spike held his arms spread eagle, “Try it, Arthur!”

“I...don’t want to hurt-oof!” Spike threw another snowball, hitting Arthur in the chest. On reflex, Bradford slugged one at the dragon. Spike grinned and breathed in. He timed it perfectly, his fire breath melting the snowball.

Meanwhile, Celestia was having an early dinner with her sister when Spike’s magical breath came into play. Celestia spluttered as water splashed against her face. Luna giggled, earning a half-hearted glare from the elder sister.

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Big Macintosh and Applebloom gently threw snowballs together. The force of their throws were dwarfed compared to the rest of the snowball fight. Twilight and Rainbow Dash had taken to the air. In a reminiscence of an aerial dogfight, they circled around each other, throwing snowballs whenever they weren’t dodging.

Applejack had retreated up the hill up to the tree. Taking cover and her time, she assembled a mass of snowballs. After she was happy with the amount she stepped out from the tree, eyes scanning and filled with mirth.

Jarle recovered from Pinkie’s shot and turned around. His eyes widened as Pinkie’s forelegs became pinwheels, launching a flurry of snowballs at him. He dove to the ground, avoiding the most of them.

His eyes narrowed and his hand glowed. Pinkie saw that and took a step back in nervousness. He launched a Soulfire beam out from his hand. Instead of hitting Pinkie, he aimed at the ground before her. When the beam hit the snow, it sent a wave of it flying forward. Pinkie was covered in snow as a result.

Jarle stood up with his hands on his hips, admiring his work. That’s when a mound came from the pile, burrowing its way through the snow at him, “Oh shit.”

Jarle turned and ran as best he could before Pinkie erupted from the lump into the air. She twirled around midair, using one of her hind legs to kick a snowball at high speed. It impacted Jarle’s back with enough force to send him tumbling down in the snow.

Up at the tree, Applejack had picked her target. Applejack grinned and threw up a snowball up into the air. She made it in a way that it would survive her kick and travel through the air, but just barely in order for it to not cause pain when it hit its target. She had learned to do that last winter.

She kicked it, sending the snowball flying straight and true at the target. Rainbow Dash squaked when she was hit in the back of the head. She moved her head around wildly, scanning for anyone who threw it.

Moments later, another snowball came out of the blue. Twilight spluttered as it impacted her face. Rainbow felt another one hit her flank, and using that hit to tell where it was coming from. She squinted in attempt to find the source. A snowball whizzed by her ear, but it told her all that she need to know.

She pointed at Applejack, “Over there!”

Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight, who nodded. They then zoomed to the orange pony, trying to dodge as best they could. Applejack increased the rate of her fire, but noticed she was running low on ammo.

Mox was staring at the chaos in befuddlement. Spike ran by him, catching his attention., “Mooox! Heeelllp!”

Mox blinked and looked back as Arthur and Bradford pursued the young dragon. A random phrase came into his head. Protect the weak.

Mox grabbed a handful of snow, packing it quickly. He threw it with stunning accuracy, hitting Bradford in the chest. The older man stumbled and tripped onto the snow.

Arthur dove to the side on reflex, slinging a poorly aimed snowball at the hybrid. Mox shifted his attention, vaguely aware that Bradford starting to get up.

Mox threw one at Bradford to keep him down, and throwing another at the retreating Arthur. Arthur, to Mox’s surprise, ducked just in time. He retaliated, and Mox felt a snowball strike his chest.

Rainbow Dash and Twilight reached Applejack, laying down a ‘bombing run’ on the farmer. Applejack moved away, creating more snowballs and throwing them as fast as she could. Twilight activated her magic while Rainbow Dash kept Applejack busy.

The area around Applejack suddenly darkened, causing the mare to look up. Her eyes bugged out as she stared at her impending doom in the form of a giant pile of snow held up by Twilight’s magic, “Aw shoot-”

THUMP!

Twilight let go of her magic, sending the mass of snow onto Applejack. It covered her completely out of sight, and Twilight started to worry if she overdid it.

Applejack’s head burst out from the top of the pile, spitting out snow. Rainbow Dash and Twilight waited, unsure how she would react.

Applejack started to chuckle lightly, that chuckle turning into a full-blown belly laugh. Rainbow Dash and Twilight joined her.

The snowball fight started to wind down as the cold started to get to them all. They all gathered together, laughing and smiling. Together they went back to the house, Twilight levitating the sleds for them.

The sun was starting to set as they reached the house and stamped their feet and hooves. Applejack looked at Jarle, “So...did ya enjoy sledding?”

“I’m probably gonna have nightmares.”

Applebloom and her big sister giggled at that. Granny Smith came towards them, “Ya’ll jus’ in time. It’s dinner time!”

The group took off their snow gear and went into the dining room. Another table was moved to the original in order to accommodate the whole party. Small talk erupted as dinner was served. The only exception was Mox, who declined to eat.

Once everybody was satisfied in what they were getting to eat, Applejack tingled her glass with her utensil, quieting everyone, “It’s an Apple family tradition ta sing a song befer dinner. Every human don’t need ta worry none, we won’t make ya sing. Yer welcome ta join, though.”

Applejack cleared her throat and closed her eyes,

“When family cannot be here
Havin' journeyed far and wide
We sing a song to honor them
To remember days gone by,”

The Apple family joined in, “So take your cup and raise it high
Just as surely I'll do mine
And laugh we will at stories told
As we smile at days gone by
As we smile at days gone by,”

The humans glanced at each other, amused. Twilight and the other Elements joined the next chorus, “For family not here, my dears
Havin' journeyed far and wide
For loyalty and kindness both
We smile at days gone by,”

They quieted down, with the exception of Applejack who had started to hum. She thought of all her fallen friends, and bit back tears. Her voice had a slight waver to it as she continued, “Our paths will cross again one day
In time to reunite
For family is always near
Even when the seas are wide,”

This time, Amiyah and Shen joined in, “So take your cup and raise it high
Just as surely I'll do mine
And make a toast for family
And the tales of days gone by,”

Mox and the rest of the humans joined in, “For family not here, my dears
Havin' journeyed far and wide
For loyalty and kindness both
Take joy at days gone by
For loyalty and kindness both
We smile at days gone by,”

Applejack smiled warmly at everybody, “Thanks, ya’ll. Y’don’t know how much that means ta me.”

“I’m surprised that I could sing the song in the first place,” started Jarle, “I couldn’t sing to save my life before.”

“I think it’s the magic here,” said Shen.

“I heard music,” said Bradford, “Did anyone else hear music?”

“Probably the magic too,” said Shen.

“Can we eat now? I’m starving,” said Jarle.

"Me too," said Rainbow Dash, "We forgot to eat lunch."

Applejack nodded, “Dig in, everybody!”

They ate, telling stories and jokes. Applejack ran her eyes over the party. She was happy. The happiest she felt in a long while. She was surrounded by friends and family. And nothing could ever hope to beat that wonderful, wonderful feeling.

~~~

“Ooooh god…” moaned Jarle as he clutched his stomach, “I ate too much.”

Amiyah was full as well, but wasn’t as foolish as Jarle, “You did kind of pig out.”

“That was wonderful, Granny Smith,” said Shen.

Granny waved the compliment off with a hoof, “No need ta thank meh. ‘S th’ least Ah could do fer ya’ll protectin’ Applejack.”

Pinkie was bouncing up and down in her seat, “When do we open the presents?!”

“That isn’t such a bad idea,” said Arthur.

Applejack nodded, agreeing, “Alright. Let’s go an open th’ presents!”

They got out of their seats and moved to the living room. Applejack looked back as she led the way, “So, who wants ta go first?”

Pinkie shot her hoof up high, “Ooh! Ooh! Me!”

Applejack chuckled, “Alright, Pinkie. Y’geta go first.”

Pinkie squealed and rushed to the tree. She grabbed one of hers and shoved into Jarle’s arms, “Open it!”

Jarle blinked, “Okay…”

He opened his present and pulled out a box of candy. He opened it and his eyes widened, “Is...is that saltwater taffy? Cotton Candy taffy?!”

Pinkie nodded her head vigorously, “Yeperoonie!”

“I...how did you know that was my favorite?”

Pinkie leaned into him and whispered, “It’s a secret.”

Pinkie’s presents continued in this vein, somehow getting everybody what they wanted. One of Rarity’s presents was a sweater to Bradford. Arthur had told her what his old sweater looked like, and she remade it to a T.

Arthur received a book from Twilight on pony history. Shen received a diagram for ROV-R that could use a magic crystal that would allow the Gremlin to manipulate objects telekinetically from Twilight.

Mox received a bouncy ball from Applebloom, who would be later seen trying it out. He was also given a glowing gem from Spike, who told him it would change its glow based on the current weather. Tygan received a new pair of glasses from Twilight that could zoom in and out with a simple tap on the frame. Rainbow Dash had been the one to give Twilight the idea to do that, who was also thanked by Tygan. Presents were received, and thanks were sent out over the course of the next few minutes.

Finally, Shen, Mox, and Rarity came to Applejack with a small box of a present. Shen spoke, “Hey, AJ. The three of us made a present for you.”

Applejack smile, “Aw shucks, guys. Thank ya kindly!”

She opened the box and pulled out a type of necklace. She blinked as she studied it. The chain was silver in color, and could easily be put on. There was another part of the necklace. A pentagon, the shape of the XCOM emblem, was attached. It was etched with her Cutie Mark, the words Semper Veritatem above it. She noticed a seam in it, and figured it was a locket of some sort.

She opened it by pushing a button on the side. Almost immediately a small hologram, barely two inches in height, appeared. Applejack’s eyes widened as an image of her fallen friend Yoko stood smiling at her. There was another button next to the one that opened the locket.

She pressed it, and her breath got caught in her throat as the image changed to Yuri. She pressed the button more, cycling through the small figures of her friends. Artyom, Markus, Jonna, and others made their appearance. Even her alive friends were in the locket.

Applejack’s eyes watered, “Ah...Ah…” she looked up at them, “Th-Thank you! This...this is the best present Ah could ever ask fer! Thank you!”

Rarity, Shen, and even Mox smiled at her. Rarity spoke, “Mox here had the idea of this. I designed it, and Lilly built it.”

Applejack rushed forward, hugging them. She tried her best from just openly sobbing there, but tears still fell, “Ah can’t...it’s...jus’...thank you…”

After a few moments, they broke away. Applejack sniffed and rubbed her eyes, “I jus’...wish they were here…”

“We all do,” said Arthur, walking up to them, “And I’m sure where ever they are now, they’re watching over you and happy you’re home.”

Applejack sniffed again and sat down next to Amiyah on the couch. She stared at the fireplace, feeling the warmth of it. Home. She thought to herself. Yeah...I’m home.

She looked down at the locket and smiled, “Home.”