As Ryan drove toward the police station, he passed numerous shopping malls and storefronts adorned with Christmas decorations, loud holiday greetings playing on large screens.

The trees lining the streets were decorated with numerous Christmas ornaments, and by nightfall, the lights would illuminate. The festive atmosphere was growing more and more vibrant by the day.

Over the past few years, Ryan had felt little excitement for the Christmas season.

The city's New Year celebrations were always subdued, but once Christmas arrived, social obligations took over—people from the business world feigned camaraderie over drinks and meals, flattering each other in ways that only drained him, rendering the festivities meaningless.

The last...