A Miracle for New Years Eve
– Tom, will you just explain how you could forget? I reminded you so many times this morning, and even sent you a text! Mary looked at her husband with deep disappointment.
He stood guiltily in the doorway of the kitchen, only shrugging his shoulders.
– I honestly dont know, Mary… It just slipped my mind thats all, – Tom tried to defend himself.
– And your phone?
– I didnt check it didnt take it out of my pocket, so I didnt even see your text
Mary was starting to boil over.
– So you remembered to buy the new car battery, but the fact that your daughter needed a present under the tree completely escaped your mind?
– I forgot The motor shop only stayed open until eight, so I was in a rush and, well, everything else just vanished from my thoughts. Im sorry.
– Sometimes I feel like your rusty old car, which breaks down every month, matters more to you than Emily does, – Mary sat down heavily on the stool and glanced at the clock.
It showed five to eleven.
Late now pitch-black outside and nothing to be done. The helplessness only made it worse.
– Mary, dont say things like that! You know how much I love Emily. It just happened I forgot Who hasnt done the same?
– I havent, Tom! Mary wanted to shout, but whispered instead so Emily wouldnt hear.
Her husband tried to wrap his arms around her and soothe things, but she pulled away, turned her back and
began spooning out potato salad into a bowl.
Ive spent half the day making this for him, and he he forgets his daughters gift!
– I should have just done everything myself, – Mary muttered quietly. But no I put my faith in you, Tom. Thought you were responsible.
– Mary, I know I messed up, but really its not the end of the world, – Tom replied. So theres no present under the tree. Well just tell Emily that
– Tell her what, exactly? That Dads becoming absent-minded at thirty-five? Or that buying a battery is more important than her?
– Well say Father Christmas is extra busy this year, so he couldnt make it round tonight. Ill get her a present first thing tomorrow, and well make a big deal about it say its from him.
– Where are you going to buy it?! Most shops will be shut, except maybe the grocers. Oh, Tom
Anyone would understand Marys frustration.
Ever since Emily was born, theyd had a cherished family tradition: after Big Ben chimed midnight, theyd gather at the Christmas tree and
find their gifts.
Emily loved it most of all. Like many children, she believed in Father Christmas, in magic, in the wonders of New Years Eve. Shed light up with pure joy whenever she found something shed longed for under the tree.
The look on her face as she opened up a ribbon-tied box was priceless.
Today, Emily had already peeked under the tree several times, just in case the present turned up a bit early, and told her mum how much she was hoping for a gift from Father Christmas.
– I wonder what Granddad Christmas will bring me this year? she mused. Id love a new bike, like the one Jack from number fourteen has. But roller skates would be good too.
Mary smiled at her daughter. Shed asked Tom to get some roller skates for Emily.
It was always Mary who chose the gift, but this year Tom had been called to work last minute, so she figured there was no point in her going shopping if Tom could pick it up on his way home.
Tom came back after eight, and when, two hours later, Mary set the table and conspiratorially asked about the present, he was suddenly reminded he hadnt bought anything at all
– Mary, lets not spoil the evening over this, – Tom tried again, reaching for her hand. I truly didnt do it on purpose. Let me tell Emily myself, explain it to her? Shell understand.
Mary stayed silent.
She carried on laying the table, tears trickling down her cheeks. How could he forget his own daughters present?
Until the last moment, shed hoped Tom had stashed it somewhere, waiting for the perfect time to put it under the tree. Now all the shops were closed.
– Want a hand? Tom asked, voice uncertain, as Mary set the dishes out.
– Thank you, but youve done quite enough already.
Just then, a happy Emily burst into the kitchen, having watched all the Christmas cartoons.
– Mum, Dad! Less than two hours to the New Year! Father Christmas will be here soon with my present!
Mary shot Tom a furious glance.
But she quickly looked away she didnt want to spoil her little girls special night.
Besides, she had an idea how to fix it: shed slip an envelope with some cash under the tree, labelled: For Emily, towards your roller skates.
It wasnt the magic present Emily would expect on New Years Eve, but better than nothing.
Maybe it would all turn out fine.
*****
At eleven, the whole family sat down at the festive table, when someone knocked at the door.
– Did you invite anyone over, Tom? Mary asked, surprised. Because I certainly didnt.
– Neither did I. Maybe its the neighbours? Ill check you pour the juice, – Tom replied.
He opened the door to see a bearded man in a tattered red coat. He didnt look much like Father Christmas more likely a homeless man, if anything. You could tell by his appearance and, frankly, his smell.
– Yes? Have you got the wrong flat, or are you here to beg for money? Not a penny from me, just so you know youll only spend it on drink.
– No, no, Im not after your money, – the stranger said cheerfully.
Not after money? Is he serious? Tom barely managed not to laugh.
He never looked down on the homeless he actually felt sorry for them. But the way this man said, Not after money, was almost comical, given the state he was in.
– What do you want, then? Tom stepped onto the landing and pulled the door behind him, to keep any aromas out.
– Look, I just found a kitten on the stairs. Isnt he lovely? the man produced a fluffy little ball from under his coat. Just wanted to ask, is he yours? Have you lost one?
Tom smirked.
Clearly, the chap realised asking for money was pointless, so now hes going door-to-door trying to offload this kitten, as down-and-out as he is, Tom thought.
– Sorry, never seen that kitten before. And weve never had pets, full stop.
– Dont fancy taking him? If youve got a little girl, shed love this one.
Knew it now he wants to foist the kitten on me, Tom thought, shaking his head.
– No, thanks. Were not interested.
– Right, – the bearded man said, disappointed. Well, guess Ill just have to chuck him by the bins.
The stranger turned to go, tucking the kitten back under his coat. But Tom pulled him back by the shoulder.
– Hold on what do you mean, chuck him by the bins? Why would you get rid of a kitten like that? Just leave him in the stairwell.
– The neighbours will throw him out into the cold anyway, wont they? At least by the bins there are cardboard boxes to hide in, and some scraps to eat.
Tom had never been an animal person, but suddenly he felt a pang of pity for the tiny creature.
He imagined it out there all night freezing, starving
If hed had more time, maybe Tom would have thought it over. But there wasnt time; his family was waiting for him at the table, and the man was about to leave.
– Give him to me, then! Tom said, grabbing the kitten. Dont throw him out by the bins.
– If you say so, – the stranger smiled, before tipping his hat and heading off towards the stairs.
*****
When Tom finally walked back into the flat, Mary and Emily peered round the kitchen door, anxious.
– What kept you? Is everything alright?
– All good, – Tom replied with a grin, hiding the kitten behind his back and praying it wouldnt meow.
Because if Mary found out, thered be hell to pay and not just for the kitten.
Of course Mary would figure it out eventually, but Tom needed a moment to work out how to break the news.
And to come up with some kind of justification for why, an hour before New Year, hed brought a stray cat into their spotless home, without asking anyone first.
– Who was at the door? Mary eyed him suspiciously. Whats he up to now?
– Oh our neighbour Nick, from upstairs. Wanted some advice on a new car battery.
– Ah, makes sense. You and your car bits. Right, Tom wash your hands and come to the table. New Year soon!
– Yes, five minutes, Ill be there.
Once Mary and Emily had gone back to the kitchen, Tom scurried round, searching for a place to hide the kitten.
Not the balcony too cold. The loo risky, anyone could walk in. Not the bedrooms, either. The lounge was all that was left
– Tom, are you coming or not? Mary called, irritable.
– Coming, dear!
He quickly popped the kitten into the bottom of the cupboard, leaving the door slightly ajar so it could breathe, then dashed into the kitchen.
*****
– Happy New Year! came the shouts from outside.
Tom joined in with his own wishes to Mary and Emily the usual health, happiness, and luck.
As he spoke, Emily put her juice down and ran into the lounge. It was then that Mary realised, in horror, shed forgotten to put the envelope under the tree. She shot Tom a venomous glare. Your fault!
– Youll have to calm her down yourself!
Yet Emily wasnt upset at all. In fact, moments later, she shrieked with delight so loud the neighbours must have heard.
– Mum, Dad! Come quick! See what Father Christmas left me under the tree!
Tom and Mary rushed in and stopped dead. There was Emily next to the tree, and underneath it, the little white kitten.
– Ive wanted a kitten for SO long, and Father Christmas knew it! Ill call him Snowy!
She scooped up the little fluff-ball, hugging him tight, and Mary pulled Tom to one side.
– What on earth? Where did he come from? This your doing?
– Mary, please dont get cross, alright? Just let me explain, – Tom stammered.
– Cross? About what?!
Mary looked at their beaming daughter.
– Look how happy she is, Tom. You could have told me you were planning a surprise, though I shouted at you for nothing, – Mary threw her arms round her husband and kissed his cheek.
Tom stood there, still in disbelief at how simply things had turned around.
It really is true, he thought: New Year brings real miracles. Their daughter was glowing, his wife was affectionate again.
All thanks to a white kitten and
Suddenly Tom remembered the homeless man.
– Listen, Mary Actually, theres something else
He whispered quickly in her ear, and she nodded, surprised but approving.
*****
– Well then, Albert, – the bearded man clapped his companion on the back. Thats all the kittens found a home praise the Lord! Wed better get back to the shelter before they lock up for the night.
– We did it just in time, George. Clever idea with the bins story.
– You think? I always worried someone might boot me down the stairs for that.
– Bit risky, maybe. Then again, it would take a truly decent soul to take in a kitten to keep him from the bins.
– Thats true
– So all the kittens are in good hands; it went well. Smart thinking on your part.
The two men sat on a bench, just down the road from the building where theyd found homes that day for four kittens, discovered earlier in the basement.
There were plenty of people on the street, but for once, nobody shooed them away.
Some even wished them luck and health, which the men cheerfully returned.
Suddenly the front door flew open, and out rushed Tom. He scanned the street, spotted the two, and jogged towards them, waving.
– Whats he after now? Changed his mind about the kitten? George muttered, recognising the man hed given the last kitten to.
– Thats him, is it? Unexpected
– Happy New Year, gentlemen! Tom called, greeting them and offering a big carrier bag. My wife and I put together a New Years meal for you, as a thank you.
– Well we werent expecting that, honestly, – said Albert and George, exchanging pleased glances.
– And this is from me personally, – Tom handed over a bottle of bubbly. Cant have a celebration without it, eh?
– There you are, George well be having a proper New Years after all. Miracles do happen, – Albert said, rubbing his hands in anticipation.
Tom turned to leave, but hesitated and looked back.
– Where are you planning to celebrate, if you dont mind me asking?
– Well, – George smiled, Not far. Back in the basement warm and dry, with cardboard to sleep on.
– Tell you what come with me.
Five minutes later, the three men stood in front of Toms garage. He opened the door and welcomed them in.
– Make yourselves at home. Theres a pull-out sofa, a heater, and even crockery. Loads better than the basement, Id say. Ill park the car outside so youve got more space.
– Well manage, – George and Albert tried to protest.
But Tom shook his head.
– No, itll be fine outside. Nothing will happen to it. Just dont drink too much, yeah?
– We only ever have a tipple for occasions. Just raising a glass to the New Year, thats all, – George promised.
– Good. I trust you. Ill come by tomorrow, and maybe if you tell me your stories, I can help you both somehow.
– Didnt expect that, – Albert muttered.
– Nor did I… – George agreed.
What a night it turned out to be. Truly a New Years Eve of little miracles.
