Off in the distance, old-time Bing Crosby Christmas Carols were playing on a CD in another room. The four of us had gathered around the table, but as soon as the pot roast was served, there was noticably little conversation. For the longest time, the only sound is the occasional *tink* of silverware and cutlery against the plates.

“So….” my mother asks, breaking the silence at our Christmas eve dinner. “How did you two meet?”

I can’t help but chuckle as my girlfriend’s ears twitch a little.