Bowie wraps her scarf tighter around her neck, her breath curling in the cold as she scans the street for any sign of Laura. Vinny, hands deep in the pockets of his oversized coat, kicks at a snowbank, his blonde hair peeking from beneath a knit beanie. The two walk side by side, their boots crunching in unison, searching for the friend who vanished when Bowie married Shadow. "Do you think she’ll even want to see us?" "I don’t know, Vinny. But it’s Christmas. No one should be alone tonight."

Bowie stops at a bench dusted with snow, noticing a familiar scarf—Laura’s favorite, striped in faded reds and greens—tucked beneath it. Vinny kneels, picking it up gently and brushing off the ice crystals. The sight is bittersweet, evidence that they’re on the right path, but also a sign of Laura’s sadness. "She was here," Bowie whispers, her voice tinged with hope and worry. "Maybe she left it on purpose. Like she wants us to find her."

Bowie and Vinny settle into a booth, stirring their drinks and watching the snow fall outside. They talk quietly about Shadow and Bowie's wedding, remembering how Laura had smiled through her tears. The memory lingers, bittersweet and sharp against the Christmas cheer. "I wish we’d noticed sooner how hard this was for her," "I know. But we can make it right now. If we find her."

Bowie recognizes Laura’s silhouette immediately, her posture tense but familiar. Vinny hesitates, then gives Bowie an encouraging nod. Together, they approach, boots crunching loud in the silent night. "Laura. Please don’t go," Bowie calls softly, her breath a cloud in the icy air.

Shadow isn’t here, but his presence lingers in their words. The three friends stand in a hush, snow swirling around them, until Laura’s voice cracks the silence. "I just… I felt like I lost you both," "You didn’t. You never could," Bowie answers, stepping closer. "It’s Christmas, Laura. Let’s go home together."

Bowie[/@ch_3] and Shadow's apartment, a Christmas tree glows with rainbow lights, casting soft colors over the faces of reunited friends. The windows are foggy from warmth and laughter, and the air is filled with the scent of pine and gingerbread.] Shadow opens the door, smiling with cautious hope as Laura steps inside. Bowie, Vinny, and Laura gather around the tree, exchanging tentative smiles that soon bloom into laughter. Outside, snow continues to fall, but inside, the warmth of friendship and forgiveness glows brighter than any holiday light. "Merry Christmas, Laura," "Welcome home."