Maddie was busy in the kitchen, humming a tune that had been stuck in her head all week, and I watched her, my heart swelling with affection. She was a constant source of strength and care. Even though I felt like a tiny, helpless creature more often than not, she had never treated me as anything less than the woman I was before. She had a way of adapting, always finding ways to include me in everything, from movie nights to sharing meals, though the latter was often more of a challenge than I’d like to admit.
My eyes fell to the presents stacked beneath the tree. There was one gift, wrapped in silver paper, that was notably larger than the others. Maddie had mentioned something about a “surprise” for me, and my curiosity bubbled up. Would it be something for my tiny self? A new place to sleep? A cozy nook among her bookshelves? She had built me a tiny home out of an old shoebox, complete with a soft blanket made from a scrap of fabric. It had been a life-saver, but it was certainly nothing compared to the space I once occupied.
I sighed, a sense of longing washing over me. I wished I could give her something special in return. But what could a three-inch tall woman possibly get for her girlfriend? I felt a pit form in my stomach. The thought of Christmas shopping had once excited me; now it felt more like a dream slipping through my fingers like sand.
As I contemplated my predicament, Maddie entered the living room, her face lit up with joy, holding a steaming cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows. She set it down on the table beside me and smiled warmly. “Look what I made you!” Her eyes sparkled as she watched me, her pride evident.
I climbed onto a coaster so I could reach the rim of the cup. The sweet aroma enveloped me, and I took a small sip, savoring the rich chocolate. “This is amazing!” I exclaimed, my voice a tiny squeak that made her chuckle.
“Only the best for my little elf!” she said, gently ruffling my hair. It was such a small gesture, but it felt monumental. I caught a glimpse of myself in the shiny coaster; my hair tousled, my skin glistening in the soft light. I was still me, just smaller.
After a few more sips, Maddie settled down on the couch, grabbing a handful of ornaments from a nearby box. “Want to help me decorate the tree?” she asked, looking down at me with an inviting smile.
“Yes! I’d love to!” I replied enthusiastically. I hopped off the coaster and made my way to the edge of the table. Maddie positioned her hand beneath me, and I stepped onto her palm, feeling the warmth radiate from her skin.
As she lifted me closer to the tree, I felt like I was soaring. The sights were overwhelming; the colors of the ornaments spun around me like a kaleidoscope. I reached out and carefully grabbed a bright red bauble, my arms barely wrapping around it.
“Here, I’ll help you hang it,” Maddie said, gently guiding me to a lower branch. I felt the thrill of accomplishment as I placed the ornament in its spot, the vibrant red standing out against the green.
For a few moments, I forgot about my size, lost in the joy of the holiday. Maddie hummed softly, her voice a comforting backdrop, and as we worked together, I felt more like myself than I had in a long time.
Once the tree was decorated, Maddie pulled out her phone and turned on some holiday music. The familiar tunes filled the air, wrapping us in nostalgia. I danced on the coffee table, tiny limbs moving with glee, laughter spilling from my lips.
After a while, she finally revealed the big present. It was a little house, intricately crafted, complete with tiny furniture and even a mini tree inside. “I made it for you,” she said, her voice full of warmth. “It’s your own space, just like home, but for you.”
Tears pricked at my eyes as I beheld her gift. It was a reminder that no matter my size, I was still cherished, still loved. “Thank you, Maddie,” I said, my voice trembling. “It’s perfect.”
She smiled down at me, her expression filled with love and understanding. “You deserve all the happiness in the world, no matter how small.”
As I snuggled into my new home that night, I realized that while I might be three inches tall, the love we shared was infinite. Christmas wasn’t just about the gifts; it was about the moments we created together, no matter the size. And in that moment, I felt larger than life.
