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Hey. So, I got these adorable Christmas tree-shaped sprinkles,
but I don't know if that's redundant because I already have
a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter.
- I think they sound cute! - I don't know.
I also got a sweater-shaped cookie cutter
but I'm wondering if it's even that festive.
I don't know. I might return it and get different sprinkles.
I'm sure whatever you got will be fine.
I know, but I want it to be better than fine.
Ellie, this is our Christmas cookie party,
Cookie Edition.
I know that, but Mom puts these in her charity baskets,
- they can't be all slapdash. - Use your artistic eye.
Or just hang onto them and I'll take a look at them
when I come over tonight.
Good idea. Delay the decision.
By the way, Hunter was asking
whatever happened to connecting with Kevin?
Kevin?
You very well know the Kevin I speak of.
Um, Caroline? I actually have to go.
I have a meeting thing. I'll see you guys later!
Mom hasn't done the drawing for the secret Santa yet.
Do you think maybe it's not happening this year?
Mmm. She asks hopefully.
Your mom said we're doing the drawing his week.
I'm nervous. I feel like my luck of drawing
distant cousins and great aunts is running out.
And with it, your ability to throw gift cards
- at the situation. - Hey. I stand by my strategy.
I'm giving people the gift of choosing
their own Christmas joy.
And you know I'm really bad at gifts.
Maybe if I draw someone from the immediate family,
Hunter will switch with me again.
We can get Hunter to do what?
Trade me secret Santas if I draw Mom?
Mmm. Nope.
I will no longer enable your habit of evasion.
We've got some business to discuss.
About Kevin?
The very eligible gentleman who I connected you to.
Which I didn't ask you to do.
Well, he said it seemed like you guys had a spark,
over text. And then, apparently,
when he asked you out to meet in real life,
at L'Ami Jeanne, a restaurant that I happen to know you love,
and-- pfft! You disappear.
No response, even after he followed up.
Ellie, what happened?
I-- I just didn't wanna move forward.
Oh, come on!
What is the worst thing that could happen?
I don't know. He's your friend, I'm your sister.
If it doesn't work out, things could get messy?
Well, could you at least have texted him,
instead of ghosting him?
Whoa! "Ghosting" is a really strong word
with harsh connotations.
I think I might be with your brother on this one, Ellie.
Sending an "I'm sorry I'm not interested" text,
that only makes things harder! And then they ask why,
and what am I gonna say that doesn't hurt?
People think that ghosting is cruel
but I think it's quick, decisive, and humane.
So wait, you do this all the time?
Sometimes.
But mostly online, where it's acceptable.
Practically expected.
Speaking of, whatever happened
to that uh, Mr. Sparky guy, from the video game forum?
It was Blinky.
-- Blinky4 - Lyfe? - Right.
With the number 4. That was his handle, anyway.
Remember Blinky from Pac-Man, the little red ghost?
Yeah, he had this whole backstory
about how he was Pac-Man's arch enemy--
So wait, you even ghosted that guy?
It's complicated! Okay?
I think we're absolutely ready to lock Freya the Knight,
level four! That's three days ahead of schedule.
Since we have some extra time,
I was wondering if I could use the afternoon
just to do a few passes?
Everything looks amazing.
I'm not sure it needs it.
I just wanna adjust one or two things.
You'll love it, I promise.
Of course. Just be sure you leave enough time for a QA pass.
Oh, and I wanted to ask,
I was wondering if Susan and Donald might be receptive
to that pitch I was telling you about?
Oh, the uh, Santa Claus game?
It's actually centered on his reindeer.
Rogue Reindeer? It's both a strategy and a puzzle game.
I just don't feel like they're gonna wanna hear
a Christmas pitch.
Really? I mean, even when the spirit's in the air?
In their minds, seasonality means less demand year-round.
Ellie. I know you adore Christmas,
so my recommendation is take a break
and enjoy it!
You're one of the best lead character artists in the bizz!
Relax. And celebrate all your hard work!
You're coming to the company party later, right?
Wouldn't miss it.
Knock, knock.
Lana says you wanted to see me?
Apparently you've got a glitch?
- She sent you, huh? - Yeah. Sorry to disappoint.
I guess you didn't make Santa's nice list this year.
Charlie,
the thorn in my side, the coal in my stocking.
Yeah actually, I gave the QA team the night off
so they could enjoy the party,
which means I will be doing your final pass.
I thought you were adverse to such things
as putting in extra work, staying late?
Yes, correct, I am.
Who would actually want to stay late?
May I?
So, you know that the party's already started, right?
Thanks for the news bulletin.
And did you know you have a whole team
that can take care of this kind of busy work for you?
I just prefer to do the final pass myself.
Hmm.
And you know you're gonna drive yourself crazy
looking at the same thing over and over again?
Thanks for the sage advice.
There. Fixed.
Wow. That was fast.
Live on the edge, Ellie.
Lock the game, and come to the party.
It's great out there!
Instead of Santa Claus,
they've got this like, weird fortune teller lady.
That's not very Christmassy.
And we've got a great spread,
they've got some good tunes playing.
Julia brought her homemade pierogis.
Okay, I get it. You just want me to wrap up
making this game exceptional
so you can chillax or whatever.
- Whatever it is that you do. - You got it.
Maximum chillaxer here.
You know, the fact that you would even use that word
proves that you don't know how to do it!
Anyway, see you when I see ya.
♪ Hands up if you wanna be free ♪
So, I've done some recon, okay?
Give the shrimp a pass.
Pierogis? Really nice. These things?
I don't know what they are, but they're yummy.
This dip is transcendent,
but I would definitely recommend
avoiding the grey-green sludge situation here.
So, you're technical support for hors d'oeuvres too?
I've just made some mistakes in the past
and I would hate to see you do the same.
Thanks for looking out.
And sorry, I know you've had to stay late for me before.
So, you still haven't locked.
Not quite. I just came to get some sustenance
and then I'm heading back.
Okay, Ellienezer Scrooge.
Scrooge?
If you're gonna sling insults,
at least base them in fact.
I believe you've seen my office?
It's true, it is surprisingly festive in there.
So, you gonna go check out the fortune teller?
They got her set up in the creative lounge.
No, those give me the creeps.
Plus they're all make believe anyway.
Seems like a bit of a contradiction.
If it's make believe, why should it freak you out?
I guess I just avoid it, just in case.
Just in case it's real?
If it's not real, what's the big deal? It's fun.
Why don't you go, then,
since you think it's such a great idea?
How 'bout we flip a coin?
I don't have to agree to this.
I just came to get a snack!
Mm-hm.
I don't even have coins. Do you?
Do you accept Bitcoin?
How 'bout we pull a Christmas cracker, huh?
One side always wins.
- Fine. - Okay!
So, the winner will keep the prize.
And the loser will go see the fortune teller.
I can't believe I'm agreeing to this.
Okay.
- One-- - Two--
- Three! -
Ooh! Oh, yeah!
Who's the king of Christmas?
Charlie's the king of Christmas.
- So? - Cute.
You looking forward to your meeting
with the Ghost of Christmas Future?
No.
Hey, if you're actually freaked out by it,
I can release you from your contractual obligation.
No, I'll go. Just you leave me alone about it.
That's sound logic.
- Watch my food. - Mmm, no promises. Have fun!
Oh, hello there! Hello!
Oh, come, come, sit down.
I like your crystal ball.
There was this amazing sale at Lydia's Attic on snow globes
and well, I add the magical element
myself at home.
- Yeah. - Right. Makes sense.
Mm-hm. Your name... it begins with a C!
No. I'm sorry.
I am seeing the letter C, like big time.
Ah, perhaps someone you're close to?
My sister-in-law, who's also my best friend?
Her name begins with a C.
Ah, yes, Caroline. Of course.
Wait, how did you know her name?
And your name is?
Ellie.
Ah! I see that now.
Please, place your hands on the crystal ball, my dear.
Ah! Allie!
It's Ellie.
I was just checking to see if you were listening.
I was actually wondering if I'll ever get my own game concept
out into the world.
Let me have a looksy.
Mmm! There's this dense cloud in your love life
and it's mucking up everything in my vision!
Mm.
Oh!
I'm-- I'm seeing a collection of wandering souls
awaiting answers.
They're like, ghosts.
No! Wait.
You're the ghost!
A sea of questions waiting for answers.
A "sea" sounds a bit extreme.
- Yikes! - Yikes?
You have ghosted all these men,
and you've let your fear get the best of you.
Well, you know, you really left these guys kinda hangin'?
Can you be more specific maybe? How do I--
Ah! If you don't make amends to ever man you have ghosted
by the stroke of midnight
on Christmas Eve,
you will be destined
to never find true love!
Ah, all right. Time's up.
Are you sure? 'Cause that's under a week away.
I do accept tips on Venmo.
My username is Rhonda P. Magyk.
That's "Magyk" with a Y and a K!
But I just have a couple follow-up--
Have a wonderful Christmas, Emily!
It's Ellie.
Next!
- Yes - Thank you.
- And you get one. - Thanks.
You're back!
So, how was it?
It was good.
Um, except--
it was good.
I'm gonna get back to work.
I cannot stay.
I cannot linger.
I wear the chain I forged in life.
You will be haunted by three spirits.
Without their visits,
you cannot hope to shun the path I tread.
"Magyk" with a Y and a K.
So, I have a question for you.
Is it why my cookie artistry is superior to yours?
No time for that. Did you happen
to play a really elaborate prank on me
regarding my ghosting problem?
Ah, so you admit it's a problem.
Seriously. Did you arrange something,
maybe with my work party and a fortune teller?
Why, that sounds like an amazing idea.
The holidays are way too busy for me.
I didn't hear anything. I would've told you.
- Oh you would, would you? - There was this fortune teller,
and I don't know, she was actually really bad at her job
but she was occasionally eerily on point.
Like, she brought up all the guys that I ghosted.
She called them "wandering souls".
Sounds like someone's feeling guilty!
No, it's not that. She just--
♪ Da-da da-da da-da-daah! ♪
I found some more red icing in our reserves.
For you.
Oh, Ellie.
I forgot to tell you,
I found a bunch of your old paintings.
- From when? - Oh, I don't know.
I think you were probably about five or six.
I remember you and your little easel.
I knew right then you were gonna be our next Jackson Pollock
or Mark Rothko or something.
Mark Rothko, really? At five.
Mm-hm. Well, I put them aside for you, anyway.
I thought maybe they could be,
I don't know, inspiration or something?
- So, how's work been? - Good!
Yeah, we're close to wrapping up on a new medieval quest game.
- Oh, yeah? - You should actually start
seeing the ads for it starting in January.
Mm-hm?
People think it's gonna be really popular.
Mm-hm. Well, popular's good I guess.
Yeah, I mean, I know there's a lot
of medieval quest games out there.
This one has some cool elements.
So, Hunter and I have been playing Space Safari,
the game you designed, and it's just so fun.
Aw, thanks.
- - She always wins.
- Oh yeah, obviously. -
Hey!
Well, that sounds neat.
Ho, ho, ho!
Merry Christmas!
Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho!
Oh, how are you?
Good morning, Father Christmas.
Here's your half peppermint, half caramel dolce half-caf.
Oh, thank you.
So, what have you got lined up for the actual holiday?
Oh, you know me, the usual.
Just laying low, avoiding crowded airports,
maybe some quality time with the Atari?
Mm. You and that Atari.
What about your mom?
Oh, she's still on her honeymoon.
Well, you know you're always welcome
to come with me, Marcy, and the kids to Rockford, huh?
Thanks, but I wouldn't want to impose.
Plus, you know, solo holidays are actually underrated.
Yeah, I'll take your word for it.
All right, I'm off to the software salt mines.
You here all week?
- Through Christmas Eve! - Nice.
That's yes, by the way.
Hi! You wanted to speak to me?
Yes, so, listen.
There was an interesting development last night.
I was on a call with Susan and Donald
and out of nowhere, Susan suddenly expressed interest
in a holiday-themed game,
even wondered why we didn't already have one.
Naturally, I thought of your reindeer idea.
I think there's a narrow window here,
but if there's a time to put something together, it's now.
If you can create a pitch deck
and maybe a short demo by Christmas, I'll pass it along.
I'd love to. I'll get started on it right now!
One thing, I'm gonna require you to bring someone in
from software design to help you.
Sure. Whatever you think.
One hiccup might be who's actually available?
Got it, I got it! Whoop!
Sorry. Just, uh, decorating here.
Go long!
It's fine. It's not--
Bit plans for the holiday?
- Well, define "big". - Perfect.
Ellie here is doing a rushed pitch deck
and needs a user interface engineer.
Would you be interested in stepping in, partnering up?
With Ellienezer? I don't know.
And a temporary promotion, overtime pay?
As long as you demote me again after the holidays.
Of course.
Sure. Why not?
Well, that was easy!
Could we just have a quick word in private?
Right. I'll be, uh, cleaning up the mess.
I mean, no disrespect, but is he even qualified?
He's over-qualified, actually.
He headed the user interface department over at Verve
before he came over.
Really? How did I not know that?
I've been trying to promote him from programmer on projects
but he keeps turning them down,
saying he's contented.
Who knows what that's all about.
You know, we have plenty of projects lined up,
and honestly, I'd recommend you rest and enjoy the holiday.
No, I really wanna do this. I'll work with Charlie.
- Great. - Thank you.
So, the sleigh's flying and presents are falling down
and the reindeer has to break away, find them, return them,
and when he does,
the sleigh itself turns into a spatial puzzle.
That sounds a lot like-- what was it called--
Bubba's Barge? The puzzle game you put out last year?
I know, and that's a good thing.
That game sold really well,
and, you know, there's a bit of a tried and true element.
I think Susan will appreciate it.
Or you could be bold and go with something totally new.
Well, it's a cute idea,
but I'm not really trying to go off-book
with my first official pitch with them.
Plus, we can have a lot of fun
with the different personalities of the reindeer.
Like, Dasher could be a high school star athlete
and Cupid is a romantic, of course.
And a few of them should be women.
I mean, why do we assume that all reindeer are male?
Yeah. Aren't we talking 51% of the reindeer population?
I mean, Vixen, right?
Anyway, you can look at some of these sketches I made.
This one I actually envisioned as Dancer.
But I was thinking instead of dancing,
she could be more like, karate expert.
I love it.
She's got pluck.
Oh. Good.
I was also thinking when you reach a certain level
you could get--
Oh, you have a message here
from a gentleman caller named Marcus.
"Hi, Ellie. It makes me sad that you didn't reply to--"
Um--
Sorry. I should not have read your private message.
You wanna talk about it?
- No. - Okay.
Uh, I'm gonna go out on a limb
and say we need to get some food.
I've heard your stomach grumble twice.
Plus you seem a little bit hangry.
I just-- I wouldn't have had you pegged for a ghoster.
- Why not? - Because you're so thorough
and ghosting seems flippant.
You know how it is out there in the dating world.
I'm sure you've ghosted a lady or two.
Why do you assume that?
I don't know. You just seem like... Captain Fun Times.
Captain Fun Times? Okay, wow.
- Yikes. - I just mean,
it seems like you like to take things easy.
Right, whereas you are serious.
Well, it sounds like you seriously ghosted poor Marcus.
The fortune teller at the party,
did she strike you as seeming legit?
Honestly, I don't have a lot of experience
with office party fortune tellers.
I don't know. Why do you ask?
She just said some things that were oddly specific,
and true.
And then she brought up ghosting.
Without you tipping your hand?
Yes, just completely on her own.
- Wow. - And then she said
if I didn't make amends with every man I disappeared on
by Christmas, I'd be doomed to never find true love.
Come on!
That's-- that's baloney.
Besides, isn't ghosting fairly normal by now?
Thank you!
It's not something that I do, but--
Wait. How many guys have you ghosted?
I'd have to look.
Oh my goodness! Ellie, serial ghoster?
I had no idea!
You're cold as ice.
I mean, maybe it is worth trying
this whole making amends thing.
Seems like it's kinda weighing on you.
I could help.
You just want a work distraction.
But seriously, there is the threat of--
--never finding true love!
This is your fault. You know that, right?
How? How is it my fault?
If I never saw the fortune teller,
I wouldn't even have this problem.
Or maybe the problem was already there
and the fortune teller just alerted you to it,
so...
You know, most of these guys were online anyway.
How hard could it be to just send out a bunch of messages?
So, you're actually considering this venture?
Maybe it's worth trying. I mean, just in case.
Well, you've got five days now,
including Christmas Eve,
and you don't exactly move through projects quickly?
Yeah, I don't know.
I'm on your side, but I don't think you could do it.
You're on.
Okay.
Then there's Amir. He talked about his ex a lot.
Boy. Okay, I suppose that's a fair reason
to end that line of conversation.
Right? And then there's Ethan from Boston.
What was wrong with Ethan?
He talked about his mom a little too much. Look.
Looks like he was throwing his mom a surprise party
and asking for your advice?
Okay. Uh, what about that guy?
I realized that there's something untrustworthy
- about how he parts his hair. - What?
Look, it's odd!
All right. What about this Kristoffer guy?
With the funky spelling?
It made me think his family is eccentric,
whereas mine's more traditional,
so I thought it was best to nip it in the bud early.
Ellie, I gotta say,
I think that this issue might go a little bit deeper
than the whole "heartless ghosting"?
Hey, I thought this was a judgment-free zone.
And as I explained earlier,
it's not heartless.
It's just saving people from deeper long-term pain.
Right. You know what? We're getting off-topic.
And we also agreed that it wasn't
about who deserved to be ghosted
but more about cleaning the slate. So--
So, I figured I'd just send
a follow-up apology text.
Maybe employ a few white lies,
like, "Sorry, I was in Antarctica. Bad reception?"
I think in the spirit of making amends,
honesty might be the best policy.
I was afraid you were gonna say that.
I mean, not "I don't trust your side part" honest,
but, you know.
I'll create a form text.
"Hello, Amir.
"A little while ago I abandoned our communication.
"Although I enjoyed our chat,
"I didn't want to move forward
"and I didn't have the guts to just say so.
"I hope you accept my apology
"and I hope you find someone special.
"Merry Christmas! Ellie."
Guess I'll just send off a few of these?
Let the unghosting begin!
Okay, so what do we call these guys? Victims?
No! Victims?!
Well, aren't they?
Okay, how about "ghostees"?
They're not ghosts until they die of heartbreak.
- This is just the beginning. - Yeah.
So, who else? I know there's more.
Okay.
Master list. Lay it all out.
Liam.
Jose.
Um--
Edward. This guy came on a little strong.
Sent.
Yeah!
First one down!
Yeah, that felt pretty good.
Ethan?
Bye, Ethan! Go "pahk your cah" somewhere else.
- Done! - Yeah.
Mm, mm, mm, mm! Thank you.
Bye. Get a haircut. He might give us a hard time!
I don't really have a type, as you can probably see.
- Yeah. - Who's next?
Very romantic.
Bit too much.
Classic ghost.
- Very good. - That's me.
But not anymore.
I think I might personalize this one a bit.
"Good luck with the biathlon."
Just a little dash of thoughtfulness.
You're getting good at this.
Now, these three don't seem to be on the site anymore.
- Or they blocked you. - Ouch!
What, you can ghost but they can't block?
Point taken.
I'll do a little online sleuthing.
I'm pretty good at it.
Think this is gonna be easier than we thought.
We've already knocked out a good chunk of these
and we have, what, four days to go?
Don't forget, it's gonna get harder
as you get into the final stretch
because you're gonna be dealing with the guys
who don't wanna be found,
plus we haven't even talked about IRL yet.
- IRL? - Mm-hm.
As in, "in real life"?
You think that counts for this?
What, guys you full-on stood up?
Yeah, that's the original ghosting!
You haven't ghosted like 45 guys, have you?
No!
No, that's what nipping it in the bud online is all about.
It's just one. And it's touchy.
You got this.
After decades of this tradition,
I shouldn't have to tell you
that revealing your secret Santa to even one other person
can be detrimental to the magic of the whole thing, right?
I mean, people start inadvertently
using the process of deduction.
Before you know it, all the fun is gone.
Also, also, I heard a rumor
that two years back, there was some swapping.
Something I highly, highly disapprove of.
That kind of meddling just chips away at the magic of the thing
and then all the spirit is gone. So, let's--
let's just keep the magic alive.
Let us delight in the unknown. All right?
Okay. Now,
come on, dear! Pick.
Okay.
- Ooh. - Ahh!
He goes right to the bottom, it's good.
The bottom.
Okay, sweetheart.
Yeah, okay.
Now, I will finish this round
with the extended family, all right, tomorrow.
Oh look, in the meantime,
can we just challenge ourselves
to do something better than gift cards?
I mean, the whole fun of this whole process
is to find a way to make it personal and meaningful.
And--
--surprising, right?!
Okay, open them.
I drew Mom.
Ellie, what did she just say?
You're diminishing this Christmas magic.
Are you willing to switch with me? I'll do anything.
And it doesn't matter who you got. I can owe you one.
You've finally drawn the secret Santa master.
Remember, what was it like, three years ago
when your mom got your aunt Gina that baking set
and it triggered her realization
that she actually wanted to be a pastry chef?
And it completely turned her life around.
Or when she tracked down
that reproduction of the Italian painting--
Yeah, yeah!
--from Grandma and Grandpa's honeymoon?
Yeah, you gotta step up your game.
Yes, I know I have to step up my game.
And I absolutely want to find the perfect gift
for the woman who's perfect at gift giving,
but the timing couldn't be worse.
I'm putting in a last minute pitch deck at work
and I have this-- other task.
What other task?
Remember when I told you about that fortune teller--
the one who knew I had ghosted all those guys?
She said if I don't make amends with all of them
by midnight on Christmas Eve, I'll never find true love.
- Ouch! - That was at an office party?
Yes, and I mean, it's not like I believe it or anything,
but I'm just using it as inspiration
to reach out to all these guys and make amends.
I love it.
You're just like Ebenezer Scrooge.
you know, having to confront the wrongs of your past,
getting one last chance to make it all better
before Christmas morning.
This is the third time
I've been compared to Scrooge this week,
and it's unwarranted.
He was a miser who hates Christmas.
I love Christmas! And I'm certainly not a miser.
Well, you're a miser of the heart.
Joking aside,
I think this could be a positive thing.
Maybe you'll find an unexpected love connection in the process.
Oh yeah, what about reconnecting with that guy,
uh, Blinky Town?
-- Blinky4 - Lyfe. - Right.
I just hope this process of looking back
doesn't keep you from moving forward
and taking a real leap.
Well, I can't take any leaps
if I'm doomed to never find true love now, can I?
So, you won't switch?
- No. - No!
So, how were the responses?
Okay overall. Couple thank yous.
Some were pretty bad.
Remember Bobby, the ferret guy?
Yeah.
And several just didn't reply,
but my phone says delivered, so.
I know I wouldn't text you back.
Oh, harsh!
But, technical question--
in those cases I'm still covered, right?
I did my part, did my best to make amends?
Yeah, yeah,
I think that definitely covers you fortune teller-wise.
Good. Today we really need to refocus on Rogue Reindeer.
This is super important to me.
Yeah, but Rogue Reindeer is just one project.
A lifetime without true love?
I never said thank you, by the way.
For helping me.
Why are you helping me?
It's like you said the other night,
it's more fun than work.
Plus, this has legitimately gotten better
than a reality dating show.
Speaking of reality dating shows,
what's going on in yours?
Any cozy romantic Christmas plans?
No. I am taking a seasonal hiatus.
Dating during the holidays is just too tricky.
What's on the docket for you?
Me? Nothing.
Charlie! You can't be alone for the holidays.
I can and I shall.
Man, I get this reaction from everyone.
You know, I've done it a few times
and it's actually great.
I get to wake up when I want to,
order a pizza just for myself with all my own toppings on it.
I get to scroll through cable and take my pick
of like three different versions of A Christmas Carol.
Anyway, Rogue Reindeer!
Have you decided what content you want in the demo?
No. That's what I'm stuck on, actually.
But I do have a good idea
for where we could get some inspiration.
It's great that our office is so close to the plaza.
Isn't it? Last year I came every day that this was open.
So, Lana told me that you used to be a lead at Verve,
and that she keeps trying to promote you
but apparently you're contented?
And I've started to notice that you're actually quite talented
and have some pretty good ideas,
so, just trying to connect the dots in my head.
It's true. I am quite talented.
Uh, yeah, I was a lead at Verve for a couple years.
We worked crazy hard on this one game.
It was like a passion project of mine.
And then two weeks before it was gonna get released,
Sky City put out a game exactly like it.
So, ours was dead. It was just bad luck.
Two, please.
And I just-- I put so much time
and heart into it,
I put everything in my life on hold and for what?
I'm sorry. That's a huge disappointment.
Anyway, it was clear to me that I had to start over
and downgrade.
Pick something that I was good at
and just have a more sane position.
Guess I could see that.
But I suppose if I did that I would miss building things,
challenging myself.
Well, I still put in good work,
and I always get good results,
and then I check out and I have life balance.
I guess that's sound logic.
But what are you doing after 5:00 PM
that you need life balance?
Uh, I recently bought an aquarium?
Ehh, guess I'm still workin' on that.
Recently I have been helping a super driven friend
with her pitch deck and ghosting problem.
Speaking of, I think this next batch is gonna be tough.
Well, you could just let it go at this point.
You have done a lot to redeem yourself.
Let's be honest, it was just a hired party fortune teller.
Not really any more prophetic than a magic eight ball.
Listen, I took my magic eight ball very seriously as a teen.
- Of you did. -
And I don't know, ghosting on the unghosting project
seems like extra bad for some reason.
That's a good point.
Hey!
- Oh, hi! - Hi!
I wish we knew you weren't working,
we would've coordinated.
Oh, I am working. We're working.
We just took an inspiration breather type thing.
And this nice person you have yet to introduce us to is...
Oh, sorry. Um, Charlie, this is my brother
and my sister-in-law who's also my high school best friend,
- Hunter and Caroline. - Wow, so nice to meet you.
And this is Charlie, my coworker,
the one I'm doing that pitch deck with.
And he's also helping me with my extracurricular problem?
Oh! Wow, that's uh, super generous.
- So, what are-- - Yeah, so, we should head back?
- Oh? - Probably?
- Don't wanna-- - Yeah, no, we should.
- We gotta get to work, so. - Right.
Yeah. See you guys later!
I hope that, uh--
Okay, come on.
- You know, we could-- - Yeah. Okay.
Okay. Bye.
Bye, Charlie!
I think something's happening?
Uh-huh.
Ho, ho, ho!
Donations for Children's Hospital!
Donations, donations!
Hey, hey!
Sorry, they were out of peppermint syrup.
Unbelievable. Thank you.
Do they know who I am?
What do you mean? Who are you?
Santa!
What's-- what's with the get-up?
You still going to the office? I thought they wrapped.
Yeah, I'm just helping to put together a pitch deck
with this-- person.
Doesn't that go against your code
of not taking on anything too meaningful?
You don't have to put it that way.
Okay, okay. You know what I mean.
Thank you!
You know what I mean. Anyway, I'm in full support.
Listen.
I know you feel like you ruined your last relationship,
you know, because of your focus on work,
but I'm still not convinced
you were even in the right relationship.
Hi.
Jeez, Todd, it's like eight in the morning.
Can we cool it with the psychotherapy
at least until I've had my coffee?
All right.
I'm pretty sure this is where he works.
I mean, can't forget the name, right?
For the Love of Beans!
So, how are you feeling? Are you ready for this?
Yeah, I think.
You just gotta get in there and apologize.
Make amends. Easy-peasy.
So, uh, you've got your list of names.
I'll just meet you back at the office, or?
What?
No, you're not going anywhere.
You're my accomplice now.
And, if I'm honest,
I need you here for accountability.
I'm not seeing him.
Maybe it's not his shift.
Either way, they have amazing egg nog lattes.
Ooh.
Oh, that's him.
Should I hang back?
We don't wanna seem like we're together.
Unless we do? Is that the angle that we're--
Next?
I didn't really think about it. What are you--
Okay, that's the direction we're going in.
- Hi, how can I help you? - Nate?
Is that you?
Uh, yeah.
Sorry, I just-- I recognize you from your profile photo
on Hearts Collide?
Oh, um, right.
It's Ellie.
We were messaging back in September.
We were talking for a while actually.
Right! Um, Ellie. Uh--
You sort of disappeared on me.
Yes. Uh, I did. And I wanted to say
that I'm very sorry about that.
To be honest, I actually remembered that you worked here
and I wanted to come in and apologize.
I shouldn't have disappeared on you.
I'm glad you did.
The next person I messaged was Clara, my now girlfriend,
and I'm actually gonna propose to her Christmas Eve.
I didn't block you, by the way.
I was just off the site because...
I was in love.
I mean, I should really thank you.
If we'd still been chatting, I wouldn't have found her.
That's wonderful news, Nate. Congratulations.
Thank you.
You know what?
I think it's really brave of you
to make the effort to come out here
and make things right.
Really?
Why don't I get you an eggnog latte?
On the house.
Great. Oh.
Uh, could you make it two, actually?
All right.
So, that went really well, much better than I thought.
You know, true love curse aside,
I think this could be really good for me.
Well, let's venture forth. Who's next?
Next, we have... Edward.
Hmm. What was wrong with Edward?
Did he slurp his soup? Was he a bad parallel-parker?
Okay, that is truly the worst, but...
it's funny, I actually don't remember.
Huh.
Where are you supposed to run into him?
Well, you're not the only one who's good at online sleuthing.
I checked out his Instagram and, every day,
he does a "Bavarian Pretzel diary" at 12:30.
"Pretzel diary?" Social media these days, am I right?
I don't know. It could be kind of cool.
Who knows? Maybe I sold this one short.
- - Hi.
Ellie. Hi.
Your hair's grown out since our profile picture.
It's nice to see you, Edward.
Please, it's "Eddie."
Finally.
Finally?
You've come back to me.
I loved you, I set you free,
and now, you've flown back to me.
Yes, Eddie. I have flown back to you,
but only to apologize to you for ghosting,
and then I'm going to fly back out.
Yeah, but we're Eddie and Ellie. We're Ellie and Eddie.
Yes.
We are, but just... separately.
Um...
So, I am sorry for ghosting you and, um... goodbye.
Hey, are you sure you wanna walk away from that?
He had some pretty solid points about possibly being soulmates.
It's not funny.
You're supposed to be encouraging, okay?
I'm trying to do the right thing and--
Gosh, maybe the right thing is back there, waiting for you?
Stop. Okay, let's go.
So, what's the deal with this next guy?
His name is Harold.
I managed to reach him by text,
but he felt an in-person apology might be more effective.
Harold's is milking it.
Well, we were talking for a long time.
It makes sense that he might want
some more meaningful closure.
Plus, I haven't come all this way
just to fail this whole mission on a technicality.
Oh, it's him.
"Hello, Ellie. This is Harold.
"I will not be meeting you tonight.
"I 'm ghosting you.
Oh... - "How does it feel?
"How do you like it? Karma. Karma big time."
Whoa.
Talk about a technicality.
Do I correct him?
Tell him that this isn't actually ghosting?
Nah, let him have it.
It's Christmas, after all. Right?
That's-- that's not him, is it?
I... ghost you. I ghost you!
Oh...
Ellie, you are a menace to society.
You're wreaking havoc with the people in this city.
They're losing their minds over you. It's okay.
It's okay, we know him. He's a...
community theatre actor.
Should we leave?
I don't know. Are we in danger?
No. No, I think we should make a stand.
We should stay here because I... like this place.
Me, too. I love a good Christmas popup.
Yeah. We shouldn't let whatever that was
stop us from finishing our drinks.
- Cheers. - To Harold.
To Harold.
- Wow. - Which one did you get again?
Uh, the Rum Rum Rudolf.
How 'bout you?
Candy Cane Fever.
- Nice. - Well...
took care of Harold.
I think Harold took care of himself.
We did Nate, Liam, Jose, Edward.
"Eddie and Ellie. I set you free."
Actually, I just have a lingering phone call or two.
Aww, so you don't need me anymore?
No, I didn't say that.
Of course I need you,
but just for rogue reindeer,
which we are very behind on, by the way.
Wow, so you're almost done with the un-ghosting,
and two days ahead of schedule.
Well, I actually have one more guy
that I hadn't officially added to the list.
Mm. The "touchy situation?"
I mean, is it touchier than Eddie?
Touchier than Harold?
Well, touchy in a different way.
This is the guy I actually stood up.
Ahh. So, do you need help tracking him down?
Nah, I got this. I may not even include him.
I'm not sure it counts.
Okay, well, then, what's next for you?
I guess you'll take a hiatus from the dating apps?
Why do you say that?
Because you're not open to meeting people right now?
I'm open. I'm looking. That's why I'm on there.
You know, open and looking are not the same thing.
So, uh...
What do you think the Elf on the Top shelf is?
You should order it.
Thank you.
So, how are the fish?
The-- the fish?
You said you've got an aquarium?
Oh...
It's all I know about your personal life.
Yeah, the fish are-- the fish are good.
Did you name them?
Yep. So far, I have Inky, Blinky, Pinky, and Clyde.
I love that.
Except now, I've run out of names, if I get any more.
Not necessarily. There are the alternate nicknames,
and also, the original Japanese names.
Yes!
Not a lot of people know that.
Guess it just comes with the territory in our field.
So, I have a question for you.
- Okay. - Have you ever been ghosted?
Yeah, a couple times.
I mean, who hasn't?
Yeah, but did any one time, like, really burn?
Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to, like...
No, no. It's fine. Yeah. Um...
Yeah, there was this one time.
This was a long time ago, I mean a long, long time ago.
Um, I got stood up. That kind of burned.
Sorry. I mean, you don't have to explain it.
It's okay. There's nothing to explain.
There's no story
because nothing happened.
I was excited, it was disappointing, the end.
Gosh...
The look on your face right now, I...
This is the worst I've felt about ghosting this whole time.
I really hope I didn't make someone feel like this.
I'm sorry on behalf of all ghosters.
Wasn't your fault.
How's your Noel-groni?
It's good. How's your Blitzen Bellini?
It's got a-- got a pretty good kick to it, of course.
So, tomorrow night is Christmas Eve Eve,
which I've always thought
was the unsung best day of the holidays,
where the anticipation is at the perfect pitch.
I totally agree.
But it also means I don't have much more time
to figure out this Secret Santa thing I have going on.
My family does this big Secret Santa
and this year, it's gonna be tough.
How come?
I drew my mom.
- Aww. That sounds sweet. - No.
I feel like she's already disappointed in me
and I just don't want to add to it.
It's strange, I don't think I've ever said that out loud before.
My mom's just this... force of nature.
She's so bold and creative.
She works in publishing and, one day,
she decided to just break off with her own imprint
for less mainstream writers,
and she did this all as a single parent,
after my dad passed away.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Thanks. Yeah, it was when I was pretty little.
I find it hard to believe
that you don't have your mother's approval.
My mom just goes for things, you know?
She's fearless,
whereas I feel like I'm always hesitating.
You're deliberate.
That's not the worst thing in the world.
Thank you for that, but...
I don't know, I can't help but feel like
she thinks I compromised my artistic endeavors
or I sold out somehow by working in gaming.
Did you?
Is this where you reveal that you have a secret passion
for oil painting and I tell you that you need to quit your job
and move to Vermont?
No. I-I love my job. I didn't settle.
The art I create
is art people get to interact with
and play with and be a part of; excites me.
Yeah. Doesn't your mom realize
that you're so respected in your industry?
That you're known for bringing a fresh take
to consumer markets?
That your work is brilliant and inspiring?
You think my work is brilliant and inspiring?
Yeah.
I thought that even before you came to Cartwheel.
I didn't know that.
Where did that even come from?
Where did that even...
- Let me help. - It's down my shirt!
- Are you okay? - I'm okay. Are you okay?
- Yeah. Are you okay? - Yeah.
Sorry, I already said that.
I should go.
- Me too. - Okay.
Oh. Do you go... that way?
Uh, I'll go that way.
- Okay. -
- See you at work. - Okay, bye!
Hey.
Before you ask, my answer is still no.
I am not going to swap Secret Santas with you.
What? No, that's not why I'm calling.
I'm actually just double-checking
that your office is open today.
I have a note I want to leave for Kevin.
Is this part of your Scrooge redemption thing?
No, trust me. It's just a sincere letter of apology.
Either way, I hate to tell you,
Kevin called out sick
and the office is closed tomorrow,
so it'll have to wait 'til after Christmas.
But it can't. That's past my deadline, you know this.
I was so close.
Wait. Sick, you said?
With, like, a cold, or...
Yeah.
Hello?
Hi. It's Ellie, Hunter's sister.
I'm the very rude person who never texted you back.
I know this may sound strange,
but I wanted to come apologize in person.
and I heard you were home sick,
so I brought you some wonton soup from Green Dragon.
I can just leave it here, if...
Green Dragon's the best. I'll meet you in the lobby.
Hi!
Hi.
Sorry, I would have invited you up,
but it's probably germ city up there.
Oh, it's totally fine.
It's me who's inconveniencing you.
Uh, here.
Thank you. I, uh--
I love Green Dragon wonton soup, and they stopped delivering,
so this is perfect.
Oh, there's a letter in there, too, basically,
just saying how sorry I am,
and it turns out I have a ghosting problem.
That's all right. I figured you had a good reason.
To be honest, I'm still reeling from my last breakup,
so I told your brother it wasn't a big deal.
Sounds like he was the one most invested in the setup.
Sounds like it. He just wants me to be happy.
Well, I gotta go to work,
but I hope you have a merry Christmas.
Thanks for the soup, Saint Ellie.
Bye.
Hey.
Hey, partner.
Hi.
Oh.
I was going for a high-five.
I just thought you were trying to hug me.
Uh, I like your hat.
Oh, thank you. It's the one I always wear.
Yeah, I know. I just realized I hadn't, uh...
complimented you on it.
Oh. Thank you.
So, fun development, the office heating is busted.
What?!
Which is why it's freezing in here and no one's around.
Now? Of all times?
This is what I get for procrastinating.
Well, it's not that bad.
We do have a lot of work to do
on the text portion of the presentation.
I guess we don't have to do that together.
We could work remotely,
and then finish the demo off tomorrow.
Oh... yeah.
Just gonna be slaving away on Christmas Eve
for my boss, Ellienezer, just like Bob Cratchit,
no coal for the fire.
Oh... When you should be home with your family,
your family of fish.
Yes!
- Especially Tiny Inky. - Aww.
Little Tiny Inky with the stumpy fin?
Aww...
Okay, well, I guess we could go to my place.
I mean, the snacks are better there, anyway.
Sure. Lead the way.
- Let's go. - All right.
Would you like some popcorn?
Ooh, I love Glenda's. Did you do a custom mix?
Of course.
I'm not an amateur.
I have cheddar, caramel, and macadamia.
Nice.
Do you want me to keep yours separate or mix?
Are you kidding?
Do I look like a noob? Mix it up!
Good answer.
So, uh, dare I ask? How's the unghosting going?
It's... going okay. I'm almost done.
But... I think we should a hundred percent
not talk about un-ghosting today
or I'm never going to finish this,
much less figure out my mom's Secret Santa gift.
Copy that.
No recess for me today.
I feel like we're missing something in the journey.
You know? Like, there needs to be more stakes.
I don't know. What if the world is going to end
if he didn't make it?
Why does it always have to be like that?
Why does there have to be explosions and a doomsday?
- It's Christmas? - I know, I know. I...
What's this?
Oh, that's an old family photo album.
I was hoping to get some inspiration
for my mom's Secret Santa.
Oh... May I?
No.
Sure.
Okay... Hello, Ellie's past.
A lot of Christmas here.
Yeah. It's kind of a big deal for my family.
Hence the epic Secret Santa?
Aww!
Who is this?
That was part of a run of years where I insisted on
dressing like an elf and being called "Elfie"
instead of Ellie.
Oh, yeah.
Starting in November and ending in March.
- Wow! - Yeah.
I actually designed that costume
and my mom and I, we kind of made it together.
I'm sorry. That's adorable.
So... you still haven't figured out what you're getting her.
No.
Apparently, I have a ghosting problem
and a procrastination problem.
Well, it's kind of the same thing, isn't it?
How do you mean?
Well, they're both about not wanting to take the next step,
not wanting to make a choice that might not be perfect,
not putting yourself out there. Right?
This coming from the guy who willfully demotes himself?
Touché. But I chose that path.
I'm not fighting it.
Sorry, I, uh-- I could be completely wrong.
Although, it is worth noting that the one thing
that all those guys have in common is
you haven't met any of them in person.
That's not about me; that's just calling it early,
saving a lot of hurt feelings.
Hmm. Theirs or yours?
Oh, why did you bring up ghosting?
I thought we weren't going to talk about it!
This is your fault. Um...
What I was gonna say is we should go back
to the Christmas market for lunch.
Maybe you'll find something for your mom there.
Hmm? Kill two birds with one stone?
- Okay. - Great.
Ugh! It's just so hard to actually think of something.
Like, I'm hoping this will just give me some inspiration.
Yeah. I think you just need to go with the flow
of the Christmas market and let the gift find you.
Oh. This could be something.
I could make a whole gingerbread family.
- Oh... - I don't know.
An ornament seems to obvious.
Oh, what about this handsome, skinny-legged fellow?
- It's not really her style. - No?
I'm sorry, my friend. Your day will come.
Blitzen never gets any respect.
Maybe you could get her a T-shirt that says,
"Best Secret Santa Ever"?
My mom's not really a T-shirt person.
Oh, she is, however...
a scarf person!
My mom loves scarves.
She has all these various ways she ties them, all French-like.
It's her signature.
Does that mean she gets them a lot as gifts?
Yes, but I feel like I could find a way to make it personal.
Excuse me. Do you do embroidery for these?
Monograms and such?
I do, but I got quite the backup.
Oh, I was thinking
just, like, a small message, nothing extravagant.
I could get something to you by the 28th.
Would you consider making an exception,
bumping her up the list a bit?
See, she's buying for her mother.
It's a very special relationship, and it's just--
it's tearing her up inside that she hasn't found perfect gift,
until now.
That's everyone's story who's shopping on December 23rd.
Maybe I could bribe you
by bringing you a pretzel or some gluhwein?
I bet you haven't been able to step away
from your booth all day.
I suppose I am a little peckish.
Thank you so much.
Okay, we'll be right back.
Okay, you have to remind me
to pick up the scarf at noon tomorrow, very important.
- Mm-hmm. - Wait.
I just had the best idea!
You should come with me to my family's for Christmas Eve.
It's so fun.
We watch movies, we have mulled wine,
my mom makes amazing apple strudel,
and I still stand by the belief
that no one should be alone on Christmas.
I don't know. I mean, I'm a stranger.
No, you're not! You've been indispensable to me.
Sorry, that sounded really business-y.
What I meant was I've really enjoyed your company
the last several days.
It'd be weird if you just suddenly weren't there.
Come. I want you to come.
Sure. Okay.
You had me at apple strudel.
- Wait. That's it. - What?
Come on.
What's more relatable
than the wonderful yet challenge countdown to Christmas?
Trying to get everyone the perfect present,
Secret Santas,
trying to get grandma's eggnog recipe just right.
Do you know what I'm saying?
No.
It's holiday tasks and events,
except the world literally depends on it.
It's friends and family instead of random packages
and imaginary worlds.
We can use strategy, matching.
Okay. I could see it. But with the reindeer?
Good point. But...
I guess, why not?
I mean it could be any Christmas-related character.
But it shouldn't be "any" character.
It should be specific, personal.
Hear me out. What about...
Elfie?
Okay? She's one of Santa's
many workers, but she is special.
She's brilliant,
she's precocious, she's steadfast,
she wants to make sure everything just right.
And she can't take it easy, but that's because
everything is high stakes for her,
especially if it has to do with her work
or the people in her life. It's very endearing.
Besides, these guys always eat it up
when there's a personal connection.
Don't you think it's a little late in the game
to change all this?
Do you really want to settle for Rogue Reindeer?
Okay, you're right. I love it.
- Yeah? - Yeah. We're going with Elfie.
- Let's do it! - Elfie!
Yes! Elfie to the rescue!
Okay, so, she shoots lasers out of her eyes, okay?
You're the artist here.
Yeah, it's like a superhero.
Yes, exactly, and I picture her holding
kind of like a Christmas tree.
Grabbing presents, like, as they're falling.
Maybe catching them in her bag?
And then, there's the clock, obviously.
And then, she's got, like, all this stuff in it.
Perfect gift for her mom at the exact right time?
Okay, but I like it.
What do you think about this?
- Oh, yeah, yeah. - Yeah?
With the extra emphasis on the sleigh?
Yeah, that's great.
Thank you.
You look so at home.
I know, I'm pumped.
I'm so pumped.
What? What?!
How did you do that?!
How do you think I get my inspiration?
Oh my gosh!
Come on! Yes! Ha-ha-ha!
Boom! Joystick drop!
- You cheated. - Boom!
Thanks for all this.
You've definitely gone beyond
your duties of interface engineer.
I mean, the brainstorming, the cooking and cleaning,
the unghosting project...
Well, like I said, it's better than reality TV.
Should we debrief?
Yes.
I took care of the last phone calls,
my brother's friend Kevin.
And I think that's everybody,
except... the last guy,
the one that I actually stood up.
What? Ellie, you're so close!
You wanna throw the whole endeavour away over one guy?
I thought you said this was baloney.
Well, maybe I bought into it at some point.
Besides, there's only one guy left, so you probably should.
You know, you don't wanna tempt fate.
Look, you've already taken a lot of risks today.
Why not take one more?
I just...
I keep thinking of reasons not to because...
I really liked this one, a lot.
We were messaging for a while
and... I feel silly even saying this
about someone I've never even met IRL, but...
I've never really had a connection like this before.
Wow, that's rare.
Yeah.
I was really excited to meet up with him,
so excited and so nervous that I totally chickened out
and I just stood him up.
So, I guess you were right, this did all start
with me not wanting to take a step.
Um, I know I was saying the opposite,
but maybe you've done enough for now.
By this time tomorrow, you'll have handed in your pitch,
you have got your mom's scarf,
you'll be on your way to her house...
Well, you're coming too, right?
Sure.
You should just enjoy your holiday.
And then, in the future, you can try to be open.
And who knows?
Maybe someone really wonderful will come along.
You know what? I'm going to finish this!
I mean, you were right the first time.
I've come way too far to give up now.
And, I mean, I've got to start taking
leaps at some point, right?
At the very least, I owe this man the respect
that I gave to Harold and Eddie.
- Well... - I mean...
Okay, I haven't used this app in a while.
All the notifications are sound bites for old Atari games.
We had our own custom set and everything.
That's really nerdy. "Hello.
"This is Ellie.
"I know we never exchanged our real names,
"but I'm the girl who stood you up a year and a half ago."
Wait, how-how did you meet this guy?
I know, I know, he could be, like, eighty
or a criminal or something.
"I've felt terrible
"about that day for a long time.
"It wasn't you.
"I let my fear get the best of me,
"and you deserve better.
I hope I'll get the opportunity to explain."
Um...
No, don't worry. Don't worry.
I met him on this forum for classic gaming fans.
He's totally harmless.
I don't know his real name, but - his username was "Blinky4 - Lyfe."
So, how much more harmless can you get, right?
Sounds so dorky with hen I say it out loud.
Anyway...
I guess... send.
Did you just swat your phone into the sink?
Yup.
So, what happened then?
I fished my phone out of the sink,
I told her I thought I saw a bug,
and then I left abruptly.
So, Ellie is also "ElfsAndStars312".
Which makes sense, since her name is Ellie Sanders
and she's got this... adorable "elf" thing.
The same woman who left you reeling a year and a half ago.
And now, you fell for her again?
In real life?
Briefly, but I'm out, okay?
'Cause he has this totally different idea
of the guy that she wants to... make amends with.
- Which is you. - Well...
Okay, I'm not sure I understand what the hurdle is here.
-"Blinky4 - Lyfe" is fiction.
She's never met the real... Blinky.
She did, however, met me,
and I am not the kind of guy that she is interested in.
No, she is...
serious, and brilliant, dedicated,
and she thinks that I'm just the office jester.
I mean, I doubt she thinks about me at all.
Well, is Blinky going to message her back?
Blinky doesn't know.
Charlie, come on.
You gotta take your own advice, man, open up.
Isn't that what you've been trying to tell her to do?
Well, yeah, but that's different.
Whatever.
- Hey you. - Hey.
You might wanna keep your hat on; it's still a little chilly.
I kind of like it, though;
keeps me on my toes.
You were in kind of a hurry last night.
Everything okay?
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just my phone,
I was sad that it fell in the water.
You know, "kids and their phones!"
I got a new one this morning.
Oh. Good.
So, did you hear back from that, uh,
- Blinky4 - Whatever guy?
No,
but I did just get a text from Kevin.
Was he the one with all the phobias?
No, my brother's friend.
I brought him soup yesterday, along with the apology,
and he just texted me, asking me to get drinks later.
I haven't responded yet.
But I thought, in the spirit of everything we've been doing,
it'd be bad to say no.
I mean, I should take a risk, right?
Put myself out there?
If nothing else, for the practice.
It's a whole new you.
Are you okay?
Yeah, yeah. I'm just, uh, thawing out.
Okay, let's, uh--
let's get this Elfie thing done and over with.
Okay, I think we're done.
Since we have a little more time,
I just wanna fix one thing.
Ellie...
It's important, I promise.
Ellie, you're regressing.
Let's send it in, and we can go enjoy our Christmas Eves.
"Eves"?
I thought you were coming with me to my mom's.
I forgot to tell you, but, actually, something came up.
What could've come up?
Come on, it's gonna be fun.
We're gonna watch A Christmas Carol,
the 1993 animated version.
Don't you love that one? Plus, it's on theme.
Look, this is in a good place. Can I just send it in?
No, no. There's something I want to futz with.
Well, too late!
I uploaded it!
- I'm saving you from yourself. - Charlie!
There were two actual things that needed fixing.
Yeah, there always are.
You worked hard on this, too,
why are you suddenly so detached?
Don't you want it to be great?
Yeah, I want it to be great,
which is why I don't want to fiddle and polish
until it's lost all its life.
That's not what I do.
You think that's what I do?
You've thought that this whole time?
No, just I think at a certain point
you have to take a leap, and anyway, I didn't--
Again with the "taking a leap."
At least I'm out here trying things!
What about you? What leaps are you taking?
You won't even take a leap to come with me
to my family's house.
You'd rather just stay all safe and sound at home on your own.
This game, my work, it's actually important to me,
and just because you've situated yourself in such a way
that you have nothing to lose,
it doesn't mean I have to do the same.
I was going to say, I didn't actually upload it.
That was just me trying to lighten the mood.
In retrospect, maybe not the best joke for the moment,
but I'm glad we got to clear the air.
You don't need me for this part. So, I'm going to go.
So, I know it was a bold move to reach out
after you ghosted me once,
but I had the feeling maybe we re-connected?
So, I thought I'd take a little leap.
Yeah, I'm glad you asked.
It's a leap for me, too.
It's funny, that theme has been coming up a lot this week.
Leaping.
How do you mean?
Oh, just in life.
Hey, maybe we should try
the "Seven-and-Seven lords-a leaping" drink next?
Pardon?
Oh, I just love these cute Christmassy cocktail names.
- Oh. - Never mind.
I'm a beer guy.
Sorry if I seem a little off.
I had a fight with a co-worker today,
has me a little rattled.
You worked today? Who made you work today?
I did?
I read this article about how Americans
put too much importance on their jobs.
What if you really love your job?
They do things like work overtime so they can buy gifts
- for Christmas-- - Gifts!
What time is it?
1:30?
Oh, no. Oh, no. Oh, no.
What's wrong?
I finally had the perfect Secret Santa gift for my mom,
but I was supposed to pick it up by noon!
Now I have to figure something else out.
I'm sure it will be okay.
I mean, Christmas shouldn't always be all about gift giving.
You're absolutely right and that's a really
healthy perspective, Kevin, but it doesn't apply here.
I'm so sorry, but I actually have to go.
Thank you for reaching out, and I just have to be honest,
I don't really see us going on a second date,
and it's not you, and it's not because
I'm chicken, or hiding, I'm just not feeling it.
Are you?
No. I still miss my ex-girlfriend.
Okay, well, good. Well, not good,
but you should text her instead!
Wish her a Merry Christmas Eve!
I gotta go. Drinks are on me!
Bye.
Hi, Lana! Merry Christmas Eve!
Ellie. I'm glad I caught you.
I just dropped by the office, which is freezing by the way,
and opened your pitch deck, meaning to just glance at it,
and I totally got drawn in. It's excellent!
So personal and fun, and I think quite marketable.
I just sent it to Susan and Donald
and I'm feeling very optimistic.
I'm so glad!
It's so clearly your vision, Ellie.
I guess my only question would be,
did Charlie help you at all?
Or did he just ghost on you?
It turns out that Charlie was crucial.
I actually owe a lot of the success of the deck to him.
It might make sense to make him a co-creator.
Well, that's refreshing.
He's secretly extraordinary, that one.
He really is.
Talk to you Monday. Congratulations.
Okay, so, what do you mean?
What is ghosting? What is it?
- You explain it. - Alright, so, like,
she sets up a date and then she never turns up.
Yeah, and it's just rude.
Well, I mean, that's not the first time.
Yeah, you understand?
She's trying!
Okay, okay.
There she is!
Hey!
How did your pitch thing go?
It went really well,
and my boss just called and said she loved it.
Hey, congrats! That's great news!
Wait, wasn't your friend, Charlie, supposed to come?
Oh, uh, something came up.
But seriously, let's cut to the chase.
What's the latest in this ghost cursing thing
or whatever you want to call it?
I'm sorry, but you know what it's like
when mom starts digging.
You have seven hours left. What's the latest?
Yeah, we've been speculating before you came in.
- Yeah. - Just taking bets.
Wait, not actually.
You want in?
Ellie?
Hi, mom.
What are you doing?
It's been an eventful week.
Yeah.
Hey can I break a Secret Santa rule?
What, do you need an extension?
Oh, you didn't do the gift card thing again, did you?
- No. - No? What?
I was hoping that I could do mine early.
- Uh... - It's for you.
Well, I suppose we could keep it on the down low.
What is it?
Surprise!
Oh, sweetheart, it's beautiful!
It's a sketch for the game I just pitched.
It's Elfie, and it's Christmas-themed.
Yeah.
And it's based on me when I was eight.
Oh, look, it's Elfie. Of course.
Elfie. And this is the costume that you designed,
and the one we made together. Oh, sweetheart.
I love it.
I'm so, so glad you like it. I--
Sometimes, I don't know, I just feel like maybe you think...
What?
Maybe you think my work isn't serious or worthwhile.
I don't know.
No! No, no. Not at all!
It's just that I see you struggling
and I just get so worried that you're not fulfilled.
But I am.
I really am.
Especially now.
Yeah?
When I'm struggling it's just
me struggling to really put myself out there.
Well, it sure feels like you're putting yourself out there now.
Give me a hug, Elfie.
Aw, I love you.
Elfie.
Remember?
Yes, do I.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you.
So you never heard back from this Blinky character?
No.
But you were hoping to?
I don't even know anymore.
Honestly, I just want to sit with you guys
and enjoy my Christmas Eve.
Well, that's fair.
You've accomplished a lot this week,
but, you know, my concern is the wording
in your text to Blinky.
I'm concerned that it just leaves it open,
so that it's not technically making amends just yet.
You know? And therefore--
According to the fortune teller Maybe that wouldn't count.
- That's right. - Wait, so you guys actually
- believe this stuff? - You never know!
Well, look, at the very least, I've always taught you to
finish your projects, right?
You guys, I just let this one go!
Why are you getting me all riled me up?
Can someone just press play?
Okay. Mm-hm.
My question would be
where does this Charlie fit into to all of this?
Why would Charlie be in this?
Good question, because you're Team Charlie.
What?!
Yeah, he's Team Charlie,
I'm Team Blinky,
and Mom's tie-breaker.
Is that him?
- It's Blinky4 - Lyfe.
What?
He wants to meet at the Christmas Tree at the market
at 11:45.
Todd!
Oh, you're not Todd.
Sorry, my friend Todd is Santa.
I mean, Todd usually does Santa around here.
Yeah, yeah. Todd's chill.
Yeah, Todd is totally chill.
Hey, can I buy you a coffee?
- Sure! - Great.
Yeah, see, I normally, well, I go to Todd for advice,
maybe you could sub in for him?
Um, sure?
Great, okay.
Where to begin? Uh...
You know Pac-Man, right?
Mm-hm.
So, Pac-Man is like a metaphor.
Right? For life.
Yeah.
Alright, so, four ghosts. Inky, Blinky, Pinky...
I don't know, like--
I don't think she should go.
- What? - Well, what do you think?
- What does she think? - Are you going to go?
I don't know.
Suddenly I don't feel compelled to go meet him.
Yeah, but what about closure, right?
Yeah, and didn't Rhonda P Magyk say "midnight?"
Because I have to say 11:45?
Doesn't that seem like a bit of a sign?
I think she may have developed feelings for somebody else.
Ah.
Yes! I have feelings for Charles Dickens
and his beautiful tale about redemption at Christmastime.
Ellie.
Okay, and maybe somebody else,
but I'm just trying to work it out in my head right now.
So, your big gesture is you
reached out to her as Blinky,
so you can surprise her that you are also you.
Yes! Big moment. Twinkling lights.
Christmas tree in the background!
That is classic.
Yeah?
But what if she doesn't turn up for Blinky,
but she would turn up for you?
Hey, you said this was all about opening up,
baring your soul, right?
So aren't you kind of still hiding behind Blinky?
Like you're still playing it safe, you know?
Huh. How old are you?
Eighteen. Also, it seems like there are
a lot of unnecessary steps here.
Like, why do all this bait-and-switch crazy stuff
when you could just go to her house,
like she invited you to do, and be, like, "I like you."
Yeah, I don't know.
Huh.
Yeah!
Thank you, Santa.
No problem.
You can have this.
So, wait what did you decide?
Are you going to the market to meet Blinky?
Yes.
Finishing what she started.
What about Charlie?
Let your sister be. She knows what she wants.
We're just glad you're going out there and taking a real chance!
Well, either way it's very exciting!
Drive safe, Honey!
That's too bad.
I was really rooting for Charlie.
Yeah, I think I was, too, honestly.
I think they had a fight, though.
Should we start the mov--
She must have forgotten something.
Hey! Come on in.
Uh, look, it's Charlie!
- Hello. - Oh.
- Sit down. - Hi.
- You must be Mrs. Sanders. - Yes, I am.
- Very nice to meet you. - And you.
So, is Ellie here?
She just took off to meet - this Blinky4 - Lyfe character.
But, look, can we offer you some popcorn and maybe some strudel?
No, thank you, but how long ago did she leave?
Oh, you just missed her!
I'm so sorry.
No, it's okay.
It's okay.
- I'm Blinky4 - Lyfe!
I gotta go -'cause I'm Blinky4 - Lyfe.
Team Charlie!
Team Blinky!
And Team Charlie, too.
Ellie.
Hey, what are you doing here?
Oh, you know, it's the Christmas Market,
it's not a niche hangout.
I have so much to tell you!
First, I went on a date with Kevin and it was terrible.
Second, Lana called and she loved our pitch.
And third, I'm making you co-creator of Elfie.
Okay, wait--
No! I'm not letting you argue your way out of it.
It's time you got over your career heartbreak!
I'm not trying to get out of it.
And there's one more thing.
Can I just speak first?
You're here to - see Blinky4 - Lyfe, right?
I am, but--
But he is late, isn't he?
Yes, and if this "never finding true love" thing
gets me on a technicality, I'm going to be so mad,
but the other thing I wanted to say is,
I didn't come to meet Blinky to meet Blinky.
I just wanted to check off the final box
and leave zero doubt of me having my shot at true love,
because I do want true love.
With you,
And I'm sorry we fought and for the things that I said--
I didn't mean to interrupt you,
but I had to get that kiss in before midnight.
- So, I'm Blinky4 - Lyfe.
Okay, that makes a lot of sense!
I guess you're in the clear, true love-wise.
Can we keep kissing then?
Yeah, okay.
Finally, you're here!
Now, wait. It's after midnight,
so Merry Christmas!
Come on in, it's so cold!
It's so exciting, sweetheart.
Nice to see you again!
- Get in, get in, get in. - Welcome.
Do you like A Christmas Carol, Charlie?
It's my favorite.
♪ Christmas day is not far away ♪
♪ It's time to prepare for the holiday ♪
♪ Got your gifts wrapped and under the tree ♪
♪ No peeking ♪
♪ 'Cause Christmas morning ♪
♪ You'll see ♪
♪ Then when all the work ♪
♪ Is through ♪
♪ We can go for a skate across a moonlit lake ♪
♪ Back home ♪
♪ We'll thaw our frozen toes ♪