"What do you mean you're leaving?" Natalie asked, dumbfounded by the realization of what was going on. She had woken up that morning with the excitement that came with Christmas Eve being the only thing on her mind. That is, until she heard her dad's news.

"Sorry Nat, I've got to go overseas for a few days. I should be back before the new year, though," he said.

"But...you're going to miss Christmas!" she pointed out, as if that wasn't already obvious.

"I know," his smile was apologetic, "But you and your mom have a good Christmas dinner without me, okay? Have fun, and show Seunghyun what the American festive spirit is all about."

Natalie frowned. "I guess so."

"I've really got to get going, I can't miss my flight," he said, grabbing his coat off the back of a chair at the kitchen table. He swung it over his shoulders, then straightened his tie as he turned to his wife, "Say Merry Christmas to the Peterson's for me."

He had already placed his suitcase by the front door. It was practically always ready to go with a few days worth of clothes for whenever he had to hop on a plane last minute, just like now. Mr. Young said goodbye to his wife, then kissed his daughter's forehead. "I'll see you soon," he said, the same old line as ever before walking out the door.

The clicking of the latch as the door closed echoed through the suddenly empty feeling house. At least, it felt empty to Natalie.

"Honey, it's okay. We'll still have Christmas dinner like we always do, just the three of us," her mom rubbed her shoulder comfortingly.

Natalie just nodded. As she retreated back upstairs to her room, her mom let out a sigh as creases of worry deepened on her forehead, and she just wished she knew what to say to make Natalie feel better.

Meanwhile, Seunghyun awoke pleasantly after sleeping in that morning with warm sunlight streaming through his window, sparkling against the thin layer of snow that built up upon the window ledge outside. He smiled; it was going to be a white Christmas.

Stretching and pulling himself out of bed, it wasn't long before he made his way down stairs, expecting Natalie to already be up. It took only one trip through the house and a short conversation with Natalie's mom to learn that she had disappeared into her room after learning that her dad wouldn't be home for Christmas.

Seunghyun was ready this time. He went back upstairs, armed with a plan to cheer her up. But when he reached her door, he was met with an obstacle that he hadn't expected – Niko. The kitten lay determinedly in front of her closed door, with his front paws tucked beneath his body as he dozed off. But at Seunghyun's presence, his little eyes cracked open, and his ears flattened against his head just as Seunghyun reached for the doorknob.

Seunghyun stepped back, surprised by the defensive reaction. Again, he tried to reach for the handle, but Niko hissed, the fur on his back standing on end. He even puffed up his tail in an attempt to look more intimidating, and it flicked back and forth in annoyance.

"Hey now," Seunghyun crouched down in front of him, "Why don't you like me? Hm? I'm sure we could get along."

Niko stared back at him, his gaze unflinching.

"Why don't cats blink?" Seunghyun wondered, s