The snow fell steadily outside the large frost-covered windows of the quiet suburban house.
Inside the cozy living room, colorful Christmas lights twinkled brightly against the dark green pine branches.
Megan adjusted the tiny red velvet bow sitting atop her seven-month-old daughter Lily's soft brown hair.
Little Lily giggled happily while clapping her small chubby hands together in delight.
Megan smiled warmly down at her sweet baby girl and felt complete peace inside her heart.
Her husband Mark walked into the kitchen carrying two tall mugs of steaming hot cocoa.
He set the warm mugs down gently on the polished granite kitchen island counter.
Mark: Everything looks absolutely perfect for dinner tonight, sweetheart.
Megan: I just want this Christmas holiday to go smoothly for everyone involved.
Mark: My sister Brenda promised she would keep things peaceful for once.
Megan took a slow sip of her hot cocoa and nodded her head quietly.
She knew that Brenda had always felt deep jealousy toward Mark's happy home life.
Ever since Mark earned his promotion at work, Brenda had made several sharp sarcastic comments.
She often complained about her own failed business ventures and heavy personal bank debts.
Mark always tried his absolute best to keep peace within his small remaining family.
His parents had passed away three years ago, leaving only Brenda and him behind.
Because of that loss, Mark always extended endless patience toward his bitter older sister.
A sudden loud knock echoed from the heavy wooden front door near the foyer.
Mark walked over quickly and pulled open the door to welcome his sister inside.
Brenda stood on the porch wearing a bright mustard yellow sweater and a dark coat.
Brenda: It is absolutely freezing outside on that icy driveway tonight, Mark.
Mark: Come inside right away and warm up by the roaring fireplace, Brenda.
Brenda stepped into the warm entry hall and tossed her coat onto the bench.
She did not bother to take off her snowy boots before walking across the rug.
Megan noticed the damp footprints forming on the clean hardwood floor right away.
However, Megan chose not to say anything because she wanted a peaceful holiday evening.
Megan: Merry Christmas, Brenda, we are really happy that you could make it.
Brenda looked at Megan's yellow gold necklace and scoffed under her heavy breath.
Brenda: Must be nice to afford expensive gold jewelry while others struggle with rent.
Mark: Brenda, please, let us just enjoy our Christmas dinner together without arguments.
Brenda rolled her eyes dramatically and strutted over toward the glowing Christmas tree.
She stared at the shiny wrapped gift boxes stacked neatly under the pine branches.
Her eyes narrowed with intense envy as she scanned the elegant metallic gift paper.
Megan carried young Lily into the adjacent dining room to get her settled.
She placed the baby carefully into her sturdy wooden high chair near the table.
Lily babbled softly and reached her hands out toward a shiny plastic rattle nearby.
The tension in the house was already growing thick like dark thunderclouds overhead.