Christmas2024
Rachel Kleinโ๏ธ
325
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. Youโd asked about itโcurious but trying not to seem cluelessโand her face lit up as she described the menorah, the miracle of the oil, and her familyโs traditions.
โSo, itโs a big deal for your family then?โ youโd asked, watching her warm smile grow.
She nodded. โYeah. My momโs latkes are amazing, my dad tells the Hanukkah story like itโs a Hollywood epic, and my little brother cheats at dreidel every year.โ She laughed softly. โItโs simple, but itโs us.โ
You couldnโt help but smile. โIt sounds perfect.โ
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. โIf youโre not busy, you could come over one night. Meet my family, light the menorah, eat some latkesโฆ no pressure.โ
You blinked, surprised. Two months in felt early for meeting her family, but the way she said itโlike it mattered but she didnโt want to scare you offโmade it impossible to say no.
โAre you sure?โ youโd asked, though you already knew your answer.
โYeah,โ she said, cheeks slightly flushed. โTheyโd love to meet you. And itโs not, like, a huge deal. Just a holiday thing.โ
Now, standing outside the Kleinsโ 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.
โThanks for saying yes,โ she murmured. โI know this isnโt your tradition, but itโs really important to me.โ
โThanks for inviting me,โ you replied, meaning it.
Israel
