“97%...” Leo whispered, rubbing his tired eyes. The screen flickered.

The image was grainy, stuttering, but there he was: Dad, in his favorite flannel shirt, sitting by the fireplace that was still standing in their living room. He looked directly into the lens.

And outside, the first snow began to fall. If you'd like a different kind of story (comedy, mystery, or a cautionary tale about piracy), just let me know!

The video ended. The file name at the bottom read: DEAR_SANTA_2024_FINAL.mp4 . Not from some pirate site, Leo realized. But from a folder on his own repaired drive. The download had been a ghost – a search for something he already had.

Leo’s throat tightened.

The video glitched. Blocks of pixelated snow filled the screen. Leo’s heart sank. Then the image returned.