A New Years Eve Miracle
George, will you kindly explain how on earth you managed to forget? I reminded you several times this morning, and even texted you! Lucy eyed her husband with utter disbelief.
He lingered in the kitchen doorway, looking sheepish, only managing a limp shrug.
I honestly dont know, Lucy It just slipped my mind, thats all, he stammered, searching for justification.
And your phone?
I never took it out of my pocket, so I didnt see your message he mumbled.
Lucy began to boil.
So you remembered about the new battery for the car, but forgot about the present for our daughter under the Christmas tree?
It just flew out of my head The garage shut at eight, so I made a mad dash, thinking of nothing but that. Im sorry.
Sometimes I think you care more about that battered old car of yours than you do about Daisy, Lucy sat heavily onto a stool, sighing while glancing at the clock.
It read five to eleven.
Too late, the night already stitched in darkness, and nothing left to be done. The knowledge pressed tighter on her heart: nothing could change now.
Dont be daft, Lucy! protested George. You know perfectly well I love Daisy. I just forgot. Anyone can.
Not me, George! Lucy was nearly shouting, but kept her voice barely above a whisper so Daisy wouldnt overhear.
He moved to put an arm around her, hoping to cushion the brewing storm, but she shrank away, turning her back to him and
began to heap spoonfuls of potato salad into a bowl.
I spent half the day on this salad to cheer him up, and whats he done? Forgotten his own daughter’s present!
I knew I shouldve just done it all myself, she muttered, a quiet storm under her breath. But no, I trusted you. Thought you were responsible.
Look, Lucy, I know I messed up. But, honestly, its not the end of the world, George tried. So what if theres no present under the tree? Well tell Daisy that
What, darling? What will we tell her? That her fathers already gone round the twist at thirty-five? Or that batteries outrank her in your heart?
Well just say that Father Christmas was far too busy this year, so he couldnt make it. Tomorrow morning Ill nip out and get something, pass it to her grandly from Father Christmas himself.
And where exactly will you buy a present? Nearly all the shops are shut tomorrow only the supermarkets will be open at best! Oh, George
Any outsider could have understood Lucys vexation.
Ever since Daisy was born, their small family had cherished a tradition: on the stroke of midnight from the 31st to the 1st, theyd all gather at the tree and
find presents waiting there.
None loved this more than Daisy, who still, like many little girls, believed in Father Christmas and Christmas miracles. The look on her face, so bright with hope the moment she tore open her ribboned parcel, lived in Lucys heart.
Tonight, Daisy had already peeked under the tree several times, hoping a present would sparkle into being before the clock chimed twelve, and she told her mother how eager she was for Father Christmas gift.
I wonder what hell bring me this year? Daisy mused out loud. Id love a bicycle like Jacks from next door. But roller-skates would be nice too.
Lucy smiled, remembering shed asked George to pick up some roller-skates. Usually she did the choosing, but today George was called off work at the last second, so shed entrusted the errand to him on his way home.
George didnt return until after eight, and it was only when Lucy began to lay out supper two hours later, quietly nudging him about the present, that the mistake dawned on him
Lets not let this spoil the whole evening, George pleaded, again trying to pull Lucy close. Honestly, it was a slip. Ill speak to Daisy, shell understand.
Lucy didnt reply. She kept setting the table, tears rolling down her cheeks. How could he forget Daisys present?
Up until that moment, shed clung to the hope that George had simply hidden the gift. But now, it was too late; the shops were closed and nothing could be done.
Want a hand? George asked uncertainly, watching her arrange the plates.
Thanks, youve helped quite enough.
Just then, Daisy bounced into the kitchen, having worked her way through every Christmas cartoon on TV.
Mum! Dad! Not long to go now less than two hours til midnight! Father Christmas is coming with my present soon!
Lucy shot George a look sharp as tinsel, but quickly hid it so Daisy wouldnt notice and risk her Christmas glee. Lucy had already devised a patch-up: shed slip an envelope with cash under the tree and scrawl on it For Daisy, roller-skates.
Not what a child dreams of, but better than nothing at all.
At eleven oclock, as the family finally gathered round their festive table, a knock sounded at the door.
George, were you expecting visitors? Lucy asked, surprised. I certainly havent invited anyone.
Nor me. Perhaps its the neighbours? Ill check, you pour out the squash, George replied, heading for the hallway.
Opening the door, he found a bearded man in a tatty red parka. He looked nothing like Father Christmas, more like someone who slept rough. His smell confirmed it more Eau de Alleyway than aftershave.
What dyou want, mate? Got the wrong flat or here for cash? Ill warn you, not a penny, not to be spent on drink anyway.
No, no, Im not after a handout, not at all, replied the stranger cheerfully.
Not after money? Is he serious? George almost laughed, not with scorn only surprise. The bearded mans insistence seemed so ludicrous in the circumstances.
So, what are you after, then? George slipped into the communal hallway, pulling the door partly closed, wary of letting the odour drift inside.
Ive, quite by chance, come across this kitten just by your block. Look at the little thing, the man drew a fluffy bundle from under his coat. Could it be yours? Maybe youve lost a pet?
George had to smile.
Clearly, hes trying to pass this kitten off to the neighbours a stray finding a new home, just like him.
Sorry, never seen the creature before. And weve never had pets.
Wouldnt you like to? Shes a sweet little one. If you have a daughter, Ill wager this will make her day.
There we go, trying to hawk the kitten off, George thought, suppressing a grin.
No, thank you. Were not interested.
Alright, the man sighed, crestfallen. Ill just dump her out at the bins then.
He made for the stairs, kitten bundled back under his jacket, when George suddenly clapped a hand on his shoulder.
Hang on what do you mean, toss her in the rubbish? Why dump a little creature like that? Leave her in the stairwell at least.
Theyd just kick her back out into the cold, mate. At least by the bins therell be cardboard boxes for shelter, and sometimes theres food.
George had never been one for animals, but something about the tiny bundle tugged at him now. The idea of the kitten shivering alone all night outside
Had he had time to weigh it up, perhaps hed have hesitated. But things were moving fast, his family waiting, the stranger ready to vanish
Give her here, George said, taking the kitten. Dont take her to the bins.
As you wish, the bearded man replied with a warm smile, then vanished into the night.
When George finally returned to the flat, Lucy and Daisy peered anxiously round the kitchen door.
What took you so long? Everything alright?
All fine, George grinned nervously, hiding the kitten behind his back and willing her not to meow.
If Lucy found out hed brought in a stray, shed throw them both out and not necessarily the cat first. Of course, shed learn soon enough, but for now he just needed time to work out his excuse for producing a kitten on New Years Eve, unannounced.
Who was it, then? Lucy eyed him suspiciously, certain he was up to something.
Just our neighbour, Brian. You know, from the fifth floor. Wanted advice on a car battery.
Of course. You and your expertise. Go wash your hands and join us, the new years nearly here.
Give me five minutes, love!
Once theyd disappeared into the kitchen, George dashed about, looking for somewhere to hide the kitten. Not the balcony much too cold. Not the bathroom someone might stumble in. The childs room and the master bedroom were off limits. Living room, then
George! Are you coming or what? Lucy called, voice tense.
Yes, yes, be right there!
In a panic, George opened the wardrobe, set the kitten inside on the bottom shelf, left the door ajar for air, and made a beeline to the kitchen.
Happy New Yeaaar! came shouts from out in the street.
George toasted his wife and daughter, wishing them luck, love and health as always.
As he spoke, Daisy put down her glass and darted off to the living room. Lucys face turned pale; shed forgotten to put the envelope under the tree, and shot an accusing look at her husband. Her eyes made it clear: this is your fault!
Your turn to do some explaining to Daisy!
But Daisy, instead of looking disappointed, suddenly shrieked with happiness so loudly the outside fireworks hardly drowned her out.
Mum! Dad! Come quick! Look what Father Christmas left for me!
George and Lucy rushed to the living room and stood frozen at the doorway. By the tree stood Daisy, and by the tree, a tiny white kitten.
Ive always dreamt of a kitten, and Father Christmas brought me one! Daisys eyes brimmed with tears of joy. Ill call her Snowy!
She scooped up the fluffy thing and cradled it to her chest. Lucy drew George aside.
What is going on? Where did this come from? This is your doing, isnt it?
Lucy, dont be angry, alright? Ill explain everything
Angry? What for?!
Lucy smiled at her daughter so overcome with delight. She turned to George.
Look how happy Daisy is. At least you couldve warned me youd planned a surprise, rather than leaving me to scold you.
She hugged and kissed him on the cheek, and George stood there, flustered, barely believing how easily things had been smoothed over. They do say strange miracles happen on New Years Eve: the daughter happy, the wife kind.
All thanks to a white kitten and
Suddenly George remembered the bearded stranger.
Lucy, about that Theres one more thing
He whispered hurriedly, Lucys eyes widened, then she nodded her understanding.
***
Well then, Harry, the bearded man slapped his friend on the back, thats the last of the kittens sorted, thank God. Time we wandered back to the old basement before they lock it up for the night.
Right you are, Mick. Clever plan of yours, using the bins as bait, Harry chuckled.
You reckon? I half-expected someone to kick me down the stairs for those words.
Bit of risk, sure. But only someone who really cared about a cat would take it home and not let it be dumped.
Quite so.
Those kittens have found good hands. Brilliant idea, Mick.
They perched together on a bench near the very block where theyd rehomed four kittens found unexpectedly in the cellar. People bustled past tonight, not a soul moved them on, as so often happened. Instead, some offered kind words, blessings, even a Happy New Year. The men returned the wishes with equal warmth.
Suddenly, the flats door burst open and George hurried out into the night, glancing round till his gaze fell on the bench and, smiling, waved before jogging over.
Whatevers he up to? Regretting the kitten already? Mick wondered, recognizing George as the fellow whod taken the last kitten.
Thats him? Didnt expect
Happy New Year, gents! George offered up a carrier bag. A little something from me and my family to share our thanks and lay a proper holiday table for you both.
Much obliged. Honestly, we didnt expect that, Harry and Mick beamed.
And this is from me, personally, George passed over a bottle of sparkling wine. Wouldnt want the evening to be dry, as they say.
Mick grinned at his friend.
Thats it, Harry, the proper way to see in the new year. Its true wonders never cease.
George started off, then stopped and turned.
Where will you two be celebrating, if you dont mind me asking?
Oh, not far, Mick grinned. Theres warmth and dry cardboard in the basement nearby.
Well! Why not come with me for a bit?
Five minutes later, the three men arrived at Georges garage. He flung open the doors.
Make yourselves at home. Theres a fold-out sofa, heater, even plates and a table. Ill move the car outside for more space. No objections its settled. As long as you dont make a mess.
Oh, were not heavy drinkers, Mick assured him. Just a toast for the season.
Good man. I believe you. Ill drop by tomorrow for a chat who knows, maybe I can lend a hand finding you a proper place.
Thats unexpected, Harry muttered.
You can say that again, Mick agreed.
A truly magical night, in the strangest dream-like sense one of real New Years miracles.
