Edward's gift to her was a cat.
This cat, found after he scoured every pet store, was incredibly docile.
As Zoe gazed into the cardboard box at the gray kitten, a peculiar glimmer flickered in her eyes.
She adored cats.
"Here, it's for you. It doesn't have a name yet; why don't you give it one?"
Edward, noticing the spark in her eyes, gently placed the cat in her arms.
Leaning against the wall, Zoe stared blankly at the kitten's blue eyes.
Its fur was fluffy, soft to the touch, and its warmth comforting as she cradled it on her lap.
She bit her lip, wanting to express gratitude but finding her mouth uncooperative. The overhead light seemed too bright, so she averted her gaze.
Edward observed the whorl of her hair, his brow furrowing then relaxing. He knew all too well that she needed treatment.
"How about giving it a name?" he asked, crouching down to meet her dark, lash-framed eyes.
After a moment, she shook her head.
"Well…" Edward pressed his lips together, smiling, "Look at me."
Zoe lifted her eyelids at his words.
"Let me name it, and if you're okay with it, just nod."
She nodded, then lowered her lids again, focusing on the kitten still rubbing against her hand.
"Considering it's Christmas Eve and your birthday, how about 'Christmas'?" Edward suggested, scratching his head, admittedly poor at naming.
Christmas?
She nodded, hugging the cat closer.
The kitten obligingly licked her finger.
On Christmas, Edward proposed watching fireworks, but she declined.
Christmas shook off its fur, lounging lazily in her embrace, their bond seemingly eternal.
He pursed his lips, resolving to hire a psychologist after the festivities for home visits.
A week later, Edward noticed she had ceased self-harming behaviors.
Mostly, she would just hug Christmas, lost in thought.
This was the best-case scenario.
When Zoe spotted the doctor in a white coat at the door, she flung the cat aside and recoiled into a corner.
Startled, Christmas leaped from the bed and rushed to Edward.
He scooped up the cat, staring at the figure on the bed, his brows knitting.
"Just stay outside for now," he said, closing the door behind them.
The bedroom was once again filled with faint sobs.
The doctor insisted on prompt treatment to help her overcome her psychological barriers.
Edward was well aware.
His attempts to talk to her were met with silence, her face buried in her arms. Strangers' proximity terrified her.
Resigned, he talked to her daily.
Each time, Edward would speak until his throat was dry, receiving nods or shakes in response.
"Say something, please?" he pleaded, his smile warm like a spring breeze.
Zoe lifted her eyes to meet his.
They were red, devoid of joy or sorrow.
Edward sighed, ruffling her hair.
...
Evan opened the door to a frigid chill that seeped into his lungs, chilling his heart.
Inside felt colder than the winter outside.
"I'm back," he announced, but no reply came, no more cheerful greetings from her.
Their wedding photo hung by the entrance, where she smiled sweetly, her eyes brimming with love for him.
His lips curved involuntarily, then fell limp.
Where was she?
A chill spread from his feet to his whole body, draining the color from Evan's face.
