Christmas had settled gently over the neighborhood. Lights glowed in the windows. Snow fell without urgency. Doors opened more easily this time of year. That’s how the knock came. Not sharp. Not hurried. Just grateful. Mr. and Mrs. Smart opened the door to find a neighbor standing there, bundled in a winter coat, holding a familiar calico cat close to her chest. “I just wanted to thank you,” she said warmly. “Your cats helped guide her home when she slipped out back. She foll

📅 Monday, December 15 The neighborhood was buzzing — and not in a cheerful, holiday way. Mr. Smart stood at the mailbox chatting with Mr. Alvarez from two houses down. “First it was my gardening gloves,” Mr. Alvarez said, scratching his head. “Then my ladder was moved. I found it leaning against the fence like someone borrowed it… and forgot to ask.” Mrs. Smart joined them, arms folded. “You’re not the only one. Mrs. Chen’s holiday wreath disappeared for a whole day. And som