A Christmas Miracle
Tom, seriously, how could you forget? Emily shot me an exasperated look. I reminded you about it at least three times this morning, and I even texted you! How does that slip your mind? She glared at me from the kitchen doorway, while I stood awkwardly, feeling thoroughly guilty.
I honestly dont know, Em I stammered, shrugging helplessly. It just slipped my mind, thats all.
And your phone? Didnt you see my message?
I didnt take my phone out of my pocket Never saw it.
Emily was beginning to boil over. So, you managed to remember the new car battery, but you forget to get a present for Sophie to go under the tree?
I forgot That motor shop was only open until eight, I was rushing. Im sorry, love.
Sometimes I really think you care about that battered car of yours more than your own daughter. Emily sat down heavily on a kitchen stool and looked at the clock with a sigh.
It was five to eleven. Late enough that there was nothing we could do now. That, somehow, made it all feel even worse.
Em, dont talk nonsense. You know I love Sophie to bits! It was just a mistake. Everyone forgets things now and then.
I dont, Tom. Emilys voice was barely more than a whisper; she was trying not to wake Sophie in the next room. I reached out, meaning to hug her, but she moved away and turned her back to me, busying herself before the big mixing bowl.
I could tell she was thinking, Half the afternoon spent making that potato salad to put a smile on Toms face, and he cant even remember a present for his daughter.
I should just do it all myself, she muttered. But no, I decided to trust you for once. Thought youd remember.
Emily, I know its disappointing, but honestly, its not the end of the world, I said. So therell be no present under the tree. Lets just tell Sophie
Tell her what, exactly? Emily turned, her eyes narrowed. That Daddys suffering memory loss at thirty-five? Or that buying a car battery is more important than his own daughter?
Well say Father Christmas is run off his feet this year, couldnt make it. Ill get her a present in the morning, I promise. Give it to her with a proper ceremony. From Father Christmas, if you want.
And where exactly are you going to get it? Shopsll be closed, except for maybe the big supermarkets. Oh Tom
Anyone would understand Emilys frustration. Since Sophie was born, wed made it a tradition: as soon as Big Ben chimed midnight on Christmas Eve, wed all gather round the tree and there were always presents.
No one loved it more than Sophie. Like most kids her age, she believed every word about Father Christmas, magic, and Christmas miracles. Her joy when she found exactly what shed been wishing for Youd never see a child happier, carefully untying the ribbon around her hearts desire.
Even tonight Sophie had already peeked under the tree about a hundred times, letting Emily know just how much she was looking forward to Father Christmass surprise.
I wonder what Granddad Christmas will bring me this year? she mused aloud. Id love a bike, like Alfies from next door. But even some roller skates would be great.
Emily smiled at our daughter. Shed asked me, very specifically, to get those roller skates for Sophie. Normally, Emily chose the present herself, but Id had to go to work unexpectedly, so she thought, why not? I could pick them up easily enough on my way home.
Id gone straight to the garage after work, completely forgetting the shops would be closed by the time I got there. When Emily winked, all ready to lay the table, and asked about the present, thats when it hit meId forgotten completely.
Lets not spoil the evening, I tried again, pulling Emily close. Honestly, Emily, it wasnt on purpose. If you want, Ill speak to Sophie, explain it. Shell understand.
Emily didnt answer. She just kept putting plates on the table, tears slipping down her cheeks. I wished I could turn back time; how could I forget Sophies gift?
Until the last moment, Emily had genuinely believed I had the present hidden, ready for the perfect moment. But now, with the shops closed
Want some help? I asked tentatively as I watched her unload the good china.
Youve done enough, thanks, she replied.
Right then, Sophie burst into the kitchen, brimming with excitement after bingeing every classic Christmas cartoon the telly had to offer.
Mum, Dad! Less than two hours to go! Father Christmas will be here soon!
Emily just shot me another dark look. But quickly she turned away, not wanting to tarnish our daughters evening.
She already had a solution in mind. Emily would simply slip an envelope of money under the tree, with For Sophie, for Skates written on it. Not the same as a surprise on Christmas morning, but better than nothing. Hopefully, it wouldnt ruin the magic for our girl.
*****
At eleven the family finally sat down to dinner. Suddenly someone knocked at the door.
Tom, did you invite someone? Emily sounded surprised. I definitely didnt.
Nope, not me. Maybe its the neighbours. Ill go checkyou pour the drinks.
I opened the door to find a bearded man in a threadbare red jacketnothing like Father Christmas, more like a rough sleeper. He looked the part, and well, lets just say he didnt smell like aftershave.
Yes? Wrong flat, or after a handout? If its the latter, Im sorry, but you wont get a penny out of me. Itll only go on booze, anyway.
Oh no, not after cash! the stranger said cheerily. Just wondered if youd lost a kitten? Found one on the stairsbeautiful little creature.
He produced a fluffy white bundle from his jacket.
I nearly laughed. He must know hes getting nowhere with handouts, trying to palm off a kitten instead.
Sorry, never seen that kitten before. And weve never had pets.
Are you sure? he asked. If youve got kids, I bet theyd love this little one.
Just what I thought, I chuckled inwardly. Try flogging the kitten instead.
No, thank you.
Right, I see, said the stranger, crestfallen. Ill just take him out back and leave him by the bins, then.
He turned away, but suddenly I was flooded with pity. Wait! You cant leave a kitten out there all night. If you must, leave him in the hallway, not by the bins.
Theyll chuck him out onto the street either way, he replied. At least by the bins theres cardboard boxes for shelter, and probably scraps to eat.
Now, Id never felt much for animals, but something about this kitten got to methe thought of him shivering alone on Christmas night
Before I could think it through, I blurted, Alright, pass him here. No need to dump him.
Suit yourself! The man grinned, then disappeared down the stairs.
*****
When I stepped back inside, both Emily and Sophie peeked out from the kitchen, concern on their faces.
What took you so long? Everything alright?
Yeah, all fine. I tried to act casual, hiding the wriggling kitten behind my back, praying it wouldnt give itself away.
Emily would flip if she found out Id just brought a stray into the house. And shed probably throw me out before the cat. Still, I needed time to think of an explanation: why, just before midnight, Id dragged in a street kitten with no ones permission.
Who was at the door? Emily eyed me suspiciously. Youre up to something.
Oh, just old Bill from upstairs. He wanted advice on batteries for his car.
Of course he did! She rolled her eyes. Go on then, Tom, wash your hands and take a seat. Not long to midnight.
Give me a minute!
As soon as they left, I dashed around in a panic, looking for a place to hide the kitten. Not the balconytoo cold. Bathroomnot safe. Bedroomsout of the question. The lounge, then.
Hurry up, Tom! Emily called. Were waiting!
Coming!
I cracked the wardrobe open, popped the kitten on the bottom shelf, and left the door ajar so it could breathe. Then I dashed to the kitchen.
*****
Happy Christmas! shouts were echoing outside.
I toasted Emily and Sophie, wishing them the usual health and happiness. As we clinked glasses, Sophie bolted off to the sitting room. Emily realised shed forgotten to put the envelope under the tree, and shot me another furious glanceYour fault!
Now youll have to comfort her!
But before we could think what to do, Sophies voice rang out, shrill with delight, echoing above the street noise.
Mum! Dad! Quick, come look! Father Christmas left something under the tree!
Emily and I hurried through to the lounge. Sophie stood by the Christmas tree, cradling the white kitten.
Ive waited so long for a kitten, and Father Christmas finally brought me one! Im going to call him Snowball!
She hugged the soft little creature, stroking him happily. Emily pulled me aside.
Whats this about? Did you plan this? she whispered.
Please dont get cross, Em. Ill explain, I promise.
Get cross? Why? Look how happy Sophie is. I just wish youd said somethingthen I wouldnt have snapped at you all evening. Emily smiled and kissed me on the cheek.
I just stood there, amazed at how easily it all turned out. Theres truth to itChristmas really is the season for miracles. Sophie was overjoyed, Emily was sweet as anything and all thanks to a stray kitten and
Suddenly I remembered the homeless man.
Emily, one sec
I whispered quickly in her ear. She looked surprised, but nodded her approval.
*****
Well, old Jimmy, said the bearded man as he patted his friend on the back, Thats all the kittens sorted out. Thank heavens. Looks like well have to head back to the shelter soon, before they lock it for the night.
Just in time, Mike. I liked your idea with the bins, Jimmy replied with a grin.
Think so? I half expected to get shoved down the stairs for it.
There was a risk, for sure. But only someone who truly cares would step in to save a kitten from the bin.
True enough
So, the little ones have found warm homes. Thats what matters. You did a good thing tonight.
The two men sat together on a bench just outside the block, where tonight they’d placed four kittens they’d found in the basement. People were passing by, and for once, no one was telling them to move on. Some even wished them well. Jimmy and Mike returned the greetings cheerily.
Suddenly, I dashed out through the doors, scanning the street until I spotted them on the bench. Waving, I hurried across.
Whats he after? Has he changed his mind about the kitten? Mike nudged Jimmy.
Isnt that him? The chap who took the last little one?
Happy Christmas, gents! I called, stopping in front of them, holding out a big shopping bag. Emily and I thought you should have a bit of a Christmas spread as a thank you.
Wow, thanks. We werent expecting that, they grinned.
And this is from me, I said, handing over a bottle of bubbly. For a proper celebration, eh?
Mike rubbed his hands together in anticipation. Looks like well get to celebrate in style after all. Some things really are miracles.
I started to turn back, but paused. Mind if I askwherell you two be celebrating?
Mike chuckled, Oh, just round the corner in the shelter. Its warm and dry there. Bit of cardboard, bit of peace.
Listen, why not come with me for a bit? I suggested.
Five minutes later, the three of us were at my garage. I swung open the doors and led them in.
Make yourselves at home. Theres a foldaway sofa, a heater, a table, even some mugs and plates. Much cosier than the shelter, I’d wager. Ill pop the car outside for the night, make some space.
Jimmy and Mike feebly tried to protest.
I insist. Shell be fine outside for one night. Just dont have too much to drink, agreed?
We wont touch the stuff, I promise, said Mike. Just a little for the occasion.
Good, I trust you. Ill drop by tomorrow, have a proper chat, and see if I can do anything to help you get back on your feet.
Didnt see that coming, Jimmy muttered.
Nor did I Mike agreed.
And that was our Christmas nighta real Christmas miracle. My daughter was happy, my wife smiled, and two good men found a bit of warmth and kindness on a cold night, all thanks to a small white kitten.
