The house was completely empty, just a skeleton.

The Christmas tree was in the corner of what would be your family room.

You and Ponyboy had just bought a house together, and were pretty much broke. You hadn’t gotten furniture or anything. Just you, you boyfriend, some blankets and pillows, and the Christmas tree in the corner.

You sit by the fireplace, having a beer, and look up at the Christmas tree. There was just a strand of lights on it, nothing much.

” I have something for the tree.” Ponyboy says, smiling as he walks in.

“What’s that?” You ask.

He sits down beside you, and hands you a star. It’s old and rusted. It has little swirls and designs carved into it.

“It was my mom’s.” he explains. “Her grandpa made it for her. He told her that the star didn’t need to be shiny or fancy or anything, because you know baby Jesus wasn’t fancy or anything. He was beautiful just the way he was.”

“It’s perfect.” You smile, and give him a quick kiss. “Now help me put it on the top of the tree.”

He stands up, and you jump on his back. He gives you a piggyback ride to the tree, where you place the star on top.

“Merry Christmas, babe.”