Caution: This chapter may contain spoilers, so proceed with care. It's a glimpse into the characters' holiday experience.

The Heavenly Bureau's manor was alive with festive decorations, glowing lights illuminating every corner. The air carried the scent of fresh incense, and the faint hum of old jazz music added a nostalgic charm to the atmosphere.

In the living room near the front door, Henry knelt beside the Christmas tree. He had just finished hanging ornaments and stringing lights that shimmered in a rainbow of colors. For the first time in his life, he felt genuine happiness, reminiscing about the first tree he decorated with his parents as a child.

Lost in thought, Henry didn't notice the quiet presence sneaking up behind him. As he stood and turned to leave, he was startled to see Isabella standing silently, looking up at him. He wasn't alarmed by her sudden appearance—he'd grown used to her stealthy entrances.

"Isabella, you're here," he said with a calm expression. "What's the matter?"

Isabella folded her arms, raising an eyebrow as if expecting him to understand her silent cues. Henry, however, remained clueless, tilting his head in confusion.

Without a word, Isabella reached into the pocket of her jean shorts and pulled out a photograph of Mary Lee. Henry squinted, recognizing the face in the picture. "Mary Lee?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. Isabella shot him a look of frustration before slipping the photo back into her pocket.

"Sorry, Isabella," Henry said, his tone laced with disappointment. "I just can't seem to understand you." His inability to grasp sign language weighed on him, especially when it involved communicating with his deaf and mute colleague.

Just as Isabella's patience began to wear thin, Michael arrived, his casual demeanor breaking the tension. "Hey, Hen," he greeted with a friendly wave.

Henry turned to him, relief washing over his face. "Oh good, you're here. Isabella's trying to tell me something, but I just can't figure it out."

"Really?" Michael said with a smirk, crouching to Isabella's level. "Alright, kid, what's the deal? What are you trying to say?" His relaxed tone gave the impression he was fluent in understanding her.

Isabella began gesturing passionately, attempting to convey her message. Michael, however, stared blankly, clearly at a loss. After a moment of contemplation, he exclaimed, "Aha!"

Henry's face lit up. "You understood her?"

"Nope!" Michael declared proudly, earning a disbelieving groan from Henry.

"You complete idiot!" Henry snapped, his frustration boiling over.

As the two bickered over Isabella's message, she stood quietly, watching the spectacle with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Thankfully, Lady Velvet entered the room, her presence calming Isabella. Overjoyed, the young girl waved her over, gesturing for Lady Velvet to lean down.

Lady Velvet obliged, and Isabella whispered softly in her ear, accompanied by a series of muffled sounds. Lady Velvet's eyes widened as she listened, and without a word, the two walked away, leaving Michael and Henry mid-argument.

Their childish debate carried on until a subtle interruption silenced Henry. Michael, oblivious, continued to rant until Henry pointed to the source of the distraction—a message written out for all to see:

[Happy Birthday, Mary Lee.]