Christmas Night

It was a beautiful night. The snow sat still and the stars shone bright. Andrea’s house was the tiniest on the lane yet the lights wrapped around her roof and the fence made her house look the prettiest. She lived alone. Her children had grown up and had settled in other cities. Her grandchildren visited her once a year in summer. But tonight, she was not going to be alone. Tonight was Christmas night.

It was going to be a special night.

Tonight, she had invited all the people she loved. Andrea had cooked a delicious meal of chicken and steak. She had baked her famous fruit and wine cake and made a special batch of choco chip cookies. The table was set with cutlery and candles. The Christmas tree was beautifully decorated and around it laid wrapped gifts for everyone, handpicked by Andrea. Just as the clock struck six, her people walked in.

First one was her best friend, Lucy with whom she had shared her entire life, followed by Lucy’s husband, James. Then walked in her sister Stephanie and her husband Sirius. Then came along Patrick and Trevor, Andrea’s friends from college. Finally came in Andrea’s soulmate, her partner, William.

image courtesy: google images

The party settled around the dining table and laughed and chattered. Andrea looked at all of their faces, smiled and thanked God. It was just what she had wished for, all those people whom she had loved and with whom she had spent her best years were sitting in one room. Together. Happy.

Next morning the phone rang. Andrea’s son-in-law Ryan, picked up. An unknown voice from the other end said, “Umm..Mr. Ryan?”

Ryan wondered who would it be.

The man said, “We found Mrs. Clemency sleeping next to the Christmas tree. We are sorry to inform you that your mother-in-law died in her sleep last night.”

Ryan loses his breath and thinks of his wife.

The man continues talking, “I am Officer Smith. Mrs. Andrea Clemency was alone. But it seemed she had a few guests over last night. We found wrapped gifts with names Lucy, Stephanie and William on them. I think they were in the party with her. Do you know where they would be now? We would like to ask them a few questions.”

Ryan hollers, “Is this some sort of a joke?”

Officer Smith is confused, “Sorry?”

Ryan snaps, “It’s tragic that my wife would have to find out about her mother’s death. But why would you be interested in a bunch of people who have already died a few years ago!”

Andrea had wished to celebrate her last Christmas with her people, whom she loved and who loved her. God had just fulfilled her wish.

- AP :)

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