Arnold’s 93rd birthday wish was simple but heartfelt: to hear the laughter of his children echo through his home one last time. The dining table was carefully set, with the finest linens, a golden turkey, and flickering candles casting gentle shadows. Yet, as time passed, the only sound in the house was silence. Then, a knock at the door—but it wasn’t who Arnold had been waiting for.

Arnold’s cottage at the end of Maple Street had seen better days, much like its 92-year-old owner. Time had taken its toll, leaving cracks in the walls and in Arnold’s heart. He sat in his favorite armchair, its leather worn and faded, with Joe, his orange tabby, purring softly in his lap. Though his hands were no longer steady, they moved automatically through Joe’s fur, finding comfort in the familiar rhythm of their quiet companionship.

The afternoon sun streamed through dusty windows, illuminating photographs on the mantle. Each picture told a story of joy and love: Bobby with his mischievous grin, Jenny clutching her doll, Michael holding his first trophy, Sarah in her graduation gown, and Tommy on his wedding day, so much like a younger Arnold.“The house remembers them, Joe,” Arnold murmured, his voice soft with nostalgia. His fingers traced the pencil marks on the wall, each one marking a childhood milestone—records of moments captured by Arnold and his late wife, Mariam. “This one’s from when Bobby decided to practice baseball indoors,” he chuckled, wiping away a tear. “Mariam couldn’t stay mad. ‘Mama,’ he’d say, ‘I’m just practicing to be like Daddy.’”

As evening approached, the loneliness grew. Arnold sat before the rotary phone, his weekly calls to his children feeling more painful than ever. Jenny’s distracted tone interrupted his attempt to reminisce. “I’m in a meeting, Dad. Can I call you back?” The others didn’t answer. Tommy briefly picked up, offering only hurried apologies. “Dad, things are crazy here. I’ll call later, okay?” The dial tone felt colder than the winter air outside.

“They used to fight over who got to talk to me first,” Arnold whispered to Joe, his voice breaking. “Now they fight over who has to talk to me at all.”

Refusing to lose hope, Arnold turned to his writing desk, a gift from Mariam years ago. With trembling hands, he wrote the same heartfelt plea on five sheets of cream-colored stationery.

“My dear,
Time feels both endless and fleeting at my age. This holiday marks my 93rd birthday, and my only wish is to see you again. I long to hear your laughter not through memories but across my table, to hold you close and tell you how proud I am of the person you’ve become.

Life moves fast, and my bones remind me that I might not have many more chances to tell you how much I love you. Please come home. Let me be your daddy again, even if just for one day.

Love always,
Dad”

The next morning, Arnold braved the icy December wind, clutching the sealed envelopes like treasures. At the post office, Paula, the longtime clerk, stamped them carefully. “Sending holiday wishes, Arnie?” she asked gently. “They’ll come this time. I’m sure of it.” Her kind lie was met with a nod and a hopeful smile.

Back at the cottage, neighbors arrived to help decorate. Ben brought lights, Martha baked cookies, and Mrs. Theo directed the effort with the energy of a general. “Arnie’s house has to shine! His family needs to see the love waiting for them!” Arnold watched, his heart swelling with gratitude for these kind strangers who had become like family.

As night fell, Arnold sat alone at the table, the five empty chairs a painful reminder of what he’d lost. His head lowered, tears slipping down his weathered cheeks. Joe climbed into his lap, offering the only comfort he could.

Then, another knock. Arnold’s heart skipped a beat as he rose to answer. When he opened the door, five familiar faces stood bundled against the cold, their smiles tentative but warm.