Playing the guitar again made me feel a bit more whole, like I gained back some of what I lost when I had to move to Walkville.

"Play me something?" Daria requested.

I thought of a good one. I played the opening chords of 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' and began to sing, "I don't want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need..."

My sister grinned and sang along.

Later, Daria brought me my coat and insisted, "Come with me. There's something I want to do." She walked me to a Christmas tree stand in town and urged, "Let's get a tree."

With all...