A Christmas Miracle
Tom, can you explain to me, please, just how you managed to forget? I reminded you several times this morning, and I even texted you! Emily glanced at her husband with a look of disapproval. He stood awkwardly in the doorway to the kitchen, shoulders hunched, guilt written all over his face.
I honestly dont know, Em It just slipped my mind, Tom tried to defend himself.
And your phone?
Well, I never got it out of my pocket, so I didnt see your message
Emily was starting to lose her patience.
So you managed to remember to get a new car battery, but the gift for our daughter to go under the tree just flew out of your head?
It just slipped my mind The motor shop closed at eight, so I rushed over and forgot about everything else. Im sorry.
Sometimes I feel, Tom, like that old banger of yourswhich breaks down every monthmeans more to you than Katie does, Emily sighed heavily, lowering herself onto the kitchen stool and glancing at the clock. It was five to eleven.
It was late, Christmas Eve, and there was no way to fix things now. The fact that nothing could be done made it all the more disheartening.
Oh come on, Em, dont talk nonsense! You know how much I love Katie. It just happened I forgot. It happens to everyone.
It doesnt happen to me, Tom! Emily wanted to shout, but kept her voice just above a whisper so Katie wouldnt overhear.
Tom made a move to embrace his wife and soothe things over before they escalated, but Emily shrugged him off, turned her back, and started filling the salad bowl with potato salad.
I nearly spent half my day making this just to please my husband, and he goes and forgets the present for his daughter! she grumbled quietly.
Knew I shouldve done it all myself, Emily muttered. Silly me, relying on you, Tom. Thought I could trust you.
I get it, Em. I know I’m at fault, but in the grand scheme of thingsits not the end of the world, Tom reasoned. So theres no present under the tree. Well tell Katie that
Tell her what, darling? That her dads showing signs of early senility at 35? Or that a car battery is more important than her?
Well tell her that Father Christmas was extra busy this year and couldnt make it. Ill get the present tomorrow morning and give it to hermake it from Father Christmas.
And where are you going to get it? Hardly any shops will be open, apart from the supermarkets. Oh, Tom, honestly
Emilys frustration was understandable. Ever since Katie was born, their family had a lovely Christmas tradition; after midnight struck, the three of them would gather at the tree and
find presents appeared out of nowhere.
Nobody loved this custom more than little Katie, who, like so many children her age, believed wholeheartedly in Father Christmas, in magic, and in Christmas miracles. She was always overjoyed when she found the very thing shed been wishing for.
The excitement on her face each time she untied the ribbon on a box and opened it herself!
This year, Katie had already peeped under the tree several times, just in case the present turned up early, and had told her mum how she could hardly wait to see what Father Christmas would bring her.
I wonder what Grandpa will give me this year? the girl mused out loud. I mean, Id love a bike, like Tim from next doornot that I mind roller skates instead.
Emily smiled at her daughter, remembering shed asked Tom to pick out roller skates. Emily was usually the one to handle Katies present herself, but Tom had been called in at work in a rush. Emily thought there was no need for her to nip out when Tom could pick it up on his way home.
Tom came in just after eight, and when, two hours later, as Emily started setting the table and asked him covertly about the present, it suddenly dawned on him that hed bought nothing.
Emily, lets not spoil the festive mood, Tom pleaded, trying once more to hug his wife and calm her. It really wasnt intentional. Let me talk to Katie and explain? Shell understand.
Emily gave no answer. She quietly continued laying the table, tears springing to her eyes. How could he forget a present for his own daughter?
Shed hoped, up till the end, that Tom was hiding the present away, waiting for the right moment to slip it under the tree. But now, the shops were closed and there was nothing she could do.
Want some help? Tom asked, watching her place cutlery out.
Thanks, youve helped enough
Just then, a beaming Katie burst into the kitchen, having finished watching all the Christmas cartoons.
Mum, Dad! Less than two hours to Christmas! Father Christmas will be bringing me my present soon!
Emily shot Tom a glare, but quickly looked away so Katie wouldnt sense anything wrongshe didnt want to spoil her evening.
Actually, Emily had just thought of a solution. Shed simply put an envelope with some cash under the tree, writing For Katies roller skates on it. Not exactly the magical moment a girl dreams of, but still better than nothing. Maybe it would be alright after all.
*****
At eleven, the family sat down together at the festive table when, suddenly, someone knocked at the door.
Tom, did you invite anyone? Emily asked, surprised. Because I definitely didnt.
No, not at all. Maybe its one of the neighbours. Ill go look. Pour out some squash in the meantime, declared Tom.
As he opened the door, Tom found a bearded man in a shabby red parka. He looked nothing like Father Christmasin fact, more like a homeless man, judging by his appearance and the distinct odour about him.
What do you want, mate? Got the wrong flat, or just after money? Because Ill tell you now, Im not giving you a pennyitll just end up spent on drink.
No, no, Im not asking for money. Im alright, really! the stranger replied cheerily.
Alright, is he? Is he serious? Tom almost laughed.
Hed never been unkind to the homelessif anything, hed always felt sorry for thembut the words sounded so comical in the moment. It obviously wasnt a wealthy man, yet he claimed he wasnt struggling.
So what do you want then? Tom stepped out onto the landing and pulled the door closed to keep the smell from drifting in.
Well, I found this kitten down in the stairwell. Lovely little thing, the man said, pulling a fluffy bundle out of his jacket. Just wanted to ask, is this yours, by any chance? Maybe escaped?
Tom smirked. Looks like he knows no point in asking for cashso now hes trying to flog this stray cat.
Sorry, never seen this kitten before. Weve never had pets.
Wouldnt want to take it? Its awfully sweet. If youve got a little girl, shed adore it.
Yeah, rightI knew hed try to palm it off… Tom shook his head. No, thanks. We dont want it.
Oh. Alright, the man looked crestfallen. Guess Ill take it down to the bins then.
He turned to go, tucking the kitten back inside his parka. But suddenly Tom reached out and stopped him.
Hang on, what do you mean, dump it by the bins? You cant just throw out a kitten. Leave it in the stairwell at least.
Theyll kick him out to the street anyway. At least by the bins he can hide in a cardboard box, maybe find something to eat.
Tom was never much for animals, but suddenly he felt sorry for the poor little creature. The thought of it being out all night, cold and hungry Had he had a moment to dwell on it, he might have thought differently. But there wasnt timethe others were waiting for him, the stranger was heading off
Give him here! Tom snatched the kitten from the bearded man. Dont dump him by the bins.
Alright then, said the stranger with a smile, and he sloped off down the stairs.
*****
When Tom finally came inside, Emily and Katie peered anxiously from the kitchen.
What took you so long? Everything alright?
Fine, fine, Tom said, hiding the kitten behind his back and hoping, above all, it wouldnt start meowing.
Because if Emily discovered who Tom had brought home just before midnight, shed throw it straight out. And possibly him. She was bound to find out eventually, of course, but he needed a moment to prepare her and come up with a reasonable excuse for his sudden rescue mission.
So who was it? Emily was eyeing Tom suspiciously: You havent come up with something, have you?
Oh, just Vince from the fifth floor, you know. Asking about batteries for his car.
Oh, right. Of course you’d know. Well, go on, wash your hands and come to the table, Christmas is nearly here.
Yes! Five minutes, and Ill be there.
Once Emily and Katie returned to the kitchen, Tom dashed about the flat, looking for a good hiding place for the kitten. The balcony was far too cold, the loo was risky, and the bedrooms were off-limits. That left the lounge He quickly opened the cupboard, set the kitten on the bottom shelf, and left the door ajar so it could breathe before hurrying back.
*****
Merry Christmaaaas! voices rang from outside.
Tom joined in the cheer as he hugged his wife and daughter, wishing them health and happiness. While he spoke, Katie popped her glass of squash down and ran to the living room. Emily saw and suddenly remembered that shed forgotten to put the money envelope under the tree. She shot Tom a withering lookas if to say, This is your fault!
Youll have to be the one to calm her down!
But Katie was anything but upset. In fact, within minutes, she yelled so loudly in delight that the clatter outside couldnt drown her out.
Mum! Dad! Come quick! Look what Father Christmas left me under the tree!
Tom and Emily hurried into the lounge and stopped dead in their tracks. There stood Katie next to the tree, holding a tiny, snowy-white kitten.
Ive wanted a kitten for so long, and Father Christmas gave me one! Im going to call him Snowy! she squealed, cuddling the little creature.
Emily took Tom aside.
Whats this? Where did it come from? Was this your doing?
Dont give me a telling-off, alright? Let me explain, Tom pleaded.
What telling-off? Look at her, shes the happiest shes ever been. But you could have told me you were planning a surprise. Turns out I had a go at you for nothing, Emily said, hugging Tom and giving him a kiss on the cheek.
Tom stood there bewildered, not quite able to believe how lightly hed got off. Its true what they say: Christmas really is a time for miracles. Daughter happy, wife contentall thanks to a white kitten and…
He suddenly remembered the homeless man.
Emtheres something else Tom whispered something in Emilys ear; she gave him a look of surprise and nodded.
*****
Well then, Davey, the bearded man slapped the other on the back, Thats all the kittens sorted, thank goodness. Might as well head back to the basement before they lock us out for the night.
Right you are, Mike. That bins routine of yours worked a treat, Davey grinned.
Think so? I was half afraid someone would toss me down the steps for saying that.
It was risky. But only someone who truly cared would take in a kitten to prevent it being chucked out.
Yeah
So, the littleuns all found good homes. It really is brilliant what you thought of.
The two men sat together on a bench not far from the house where theyd managed to re-home four kittens theyd found in the very same buildings basement. For once, despite the crowd in the street, nobody chased them off or shouted abuse. Some even wished them health and good luck. Mike and Davey thanked everyone in return.
Suddenly, the buildings door burst open and Tom hurried out into the street, glanced around, spotted the two men on the bench, and waved before running over with a large carrier bag.
Whats he up to? Changed his mind about the kitten? Mike nudged Davey.
Thats him? Didnt expect to see him
Merry Christmas, lads! Tom called out, handing them the bag. Emily and I put together a Christmas dinner for you, as a thank-you.
Goodness, thats kind. We werent expecting anything, Mike and Davey replied.
And this is from me, Tom added, passing over a bottle of bubbly. For a proper toast.
See, Mike? Now we can have a real Christmas celebration. Miracles do happen! Davey said gleefully.
Tom was about to go, but paused and turned back.
Where will you celebrate, if you dont mind me asking?
Oh, just round the corner, in the basement. Its warm and dry in there now, and the old cardboard makes a good bed.
You know what? Come with me instead.
Five minutes later, the three men approached Toms garage. He opened the door and beckoned them in.
Make yourselves at home. Theres a fold-out sofa, a heater, table and some crockery. Much cosier than the basement, I reckon. Ill move my car outside for the night so theres more space.
Well be alright as we are Mike started.
But Tom shook his head. No, really, the car will be fine in the street. Just dont go overboard, all right?
Were not heavy with the drink. Just for the holiday, you know, Mike promised.
Good, I trust you. Ill come by tomorrow. Maybe I can help you with more than just kittens.
Never expected that, murmured Davey.
Too right agreed Mike.
So the night turned out to be just as a proper Christmas Eve should: full of warmth, kindness, and a little magic.
