(miniflash story)

Artem had already been at the Christmas tree fair for three hours, searching for the perfect tree. Finally, he found it: tall, lush, and symmetrical—just like in the picture. As soon as he reached out to grab it, a voice rang out nearby, “That’s my Christmas tree!”

Artem turned around in surprise and saw a girl holding on to a branch of the same tree, looking at him defiantly.

“Yours?” he asked. “You haven’t even bought it yet!”

“I was just about to,” the girl replied sarcastically. “And for your information, I saw it first. So, it’s mine!”

“Wow, you saw it first?” Artem looked at her with interest. “Well then, go  quickly to see another because I’m taking this one!”

The argument escalated. For the next hour, they pulled the Christmas tree back and forth, each trying to claim it as their own. A crowd gathered around, watching the “Christmas tree battle” with growing amusement.

Suddenly, the girl, sweating and out of breath, sighed heavily and abruptly let go of the branch.

“You know what, take it,” she said, tiredly. “I can’t fight anymore. But you have to help me pick another tree. I see you have good taste—if you manage to find this.”

Artem laughed. “Deal. But how about we take a break and grab a coffee first? In honor of our truce? I know a great café nearby.”

The girl smiled and nodded. And that’s how their winter story began.