Chapter 75: Chapter 75

"So, how was the game?" his mother asked, handing him a cup of coffee, fixed just the way he liked it: Black with two sugars.

He let out a deep breath as a crease formed between his eyes. "Good."

"So, you like Kiki?" Evelyn asked, stirring her coffee as she studied her son's face.

"Good. Thanks," he replied, not paying attention as he took a sip of his coffee.

"So, the capital of North Dakota is Bismarck?" his mother teased.

"Uh huh." He stared into the fire, lost in thought.

A sly smile spread across her face. "So, Rudolf and Dasher came over and had coffee with me today while Santa delivered the late presents."

"What?" Taren asked, finally snapping out of it.

Evelyn gave him a knowing look. "Son, what's wrong?"

"Nothing." He stirred his coffee as he looked into it.

Evelyn sighed. "Why don't you invite Kiki over tomorrow and I'll make a Christmas dinner?"

"What do you mean?" Taren sighed. "We already celebrated Christmas."