Parental love, honestly, is its own wild adventure. Mum used to say all the time, Children are the flowers of life. Dad, with a cheeky grin, would always add, On their parents graves!hinting at the mischief, moods, and the never-ending racket kids bring with them.
Sarah let out this tired but happy sigh as she bundled the kids into a black cab. Lily was four, and little Harry was not quite two yet. Theyd just had the best time at their grandparents place: biscuits, cuddles, bedtime stories, andlets face ita few more spoils than theyd ever get at home.
Sarah herself genuinely loved the whole trip. Her parents, her sisters and all the nieces and nephewscoming home meant being enveloped in warmth, conditions and explanations left at the door. Her mums cookingimpossible to decline, always a second helping. The Christmas tree decked out with these odd, ridiculously sentimental old decorations. Dads toastslong-winded but always spot-on and heartfelt. Mums giftsalways the sort you actually needed, given with real love.
For a minute, Sarah felt like she was a child again. She just wanted to say, Mum, Dad, thank you so much for everythingyou being here means the world.
This year, she and Matthew decided to do something truly special for her parents. Not out of obligation, but pure gratitudethankful for a happy childhood, for all the love and support theyd always had. For trusting Matthew and welcoming him in, giving the most precious thingtheir daughterinto his care. For family backing, for the unwavering belief in them as a couple, for always being part of their biggest steps.
I always dreamed of buying my dad a car, you know, Matthew once said quietly. But he didnt make it long enough to see that day. Then, with a firmer voice, he added, But I know for surewe will get one for your dad.
Sarah just smiled at him, with that particular brand of love thats equal parts thankfulness, respect, and hope for the future.
With everyone on board, she turned up at her parents with the kidsarms full of clear containers: homemade salads, roast beef, puddings. Everything had that home-cooked comfort, you know? Harry solemnly handed Gran a bouquet of enormous English rosesso big it almost tipped him over. Sarah hugged her dad, kissed his familiar cheek, and breathed in that unmistakable scent of home.
And wheres Matthew? Why isnt he here? Mum and Dad started worrying straight away.
Just then, Sarahs phone buzzed. Its Matthew, she said, grinning. Running a bit late, but he says to start without him.
The kids immediately dashed off to the sitting room, a whirlwind of giggles. Under the huge, sparkling Christmas tree, there were boxes and bags labelled for everyoneeach present officially delivered by Father Christmas himself.
Of course, Lily scored the lions share: in one box, a magical Cinderella carriage. In another, two beautiful white horses with golden manes. Even a pair of sparkling glass slippers for the budding princess. Next up was a floaty dress with a layered skirt and long gloves spangled with little gems. Jewellery, a fairytale mirror, pretend makeup, art kits, books galorethe works.
Harry proudly received a giant box containing his new multi-storey car park: little shiny cars went up and down in a lift, swirling along ramps, to his absolute delight. There were more presentsa big dinosaur with glowing eyes, a bow with arrows, one of those dry ball pits and a sack of rainbow-coloured balls, a space blaster with flashing lights. And of course, the obligatory pile of colouring books, pencils, and magical markers.
Sarah wasnt forgotten either. In a tiny box tied with a ribbon, she found a pair of gold earrings with twinkling stones, catching the Christmas tree lights so perfectly.
And on the table, her favourite: a Hedgehog Cakewith nuts, sultanas, candied fruit, and chocolate sprinkles. Just like Mum made when she was a little girl.
There was a separate stack of boxes for Matthew under the tree. Strict instructions: not to be touched until the favourite son-in-law arrived.
Sarah and the kids handed over their gifts: a box of proper French perfume for Mum, an intricate silver bracelet for Dad. Lily solemnly presented a portrait of her grandparentslooking rather like wanted criminals, to be honest, but drawn with so much love everyone just burst out laughing.
But the main surprise was still waiting!
Half an hour later, after the first round of toasts, as the family settled down, Sarah put on her new earringsthe lights made them shimmer, highlighting just how happy she looked.
Lily stared thoughtfully and piped up, Mummy, did you put those earrings on so Id notice and say you look pretty?
Sarah, not missing a beat, said, Thats exactly it, darling.
Lily grinned. You look beautiful! Me too! And Daddy! Even Harry! Everyone cracked upagain.
Where is our beloved Matthew? Isnt it time he showed his face?
And right on cue, theres a flash of headlights outside, the driveway gates swing open, and in rolls a great big white car, beeping like mad, shining in the winter dusk.
The whole lot of them spilled outside into the chilly airshrieking, laughing, stamping against the cold. And there it was: a gleaming new car, chrome sparkling, a shower of balloons tied to the mirrors and bonnet.
Matthew stepped out from behind the wheel, calm and collectedno faff, no speechifying. He walked to Sarahs dad and handed him the keys.
For you. With all our love, he said, giving him a proper, firm hugthe kind thats real, no fuss or grandstanding.
Her dad took a step back, looking completely flooredsmiling, but a bit bewildered. Whatever are you two up to? I cant his words were all jumbled, as if he couldnt quite trust himself to believe it.
But before he knew it, theyd guided him to the drivers seat. He ran his hands over the wheel, stared at the classy, sci-fi dashboard. The new car smelled of fresh leather and endless adventures.
Dad dabbed at his eyesthe very ones rarely seen with tears.
Well, you lot he managed to say. Then, one by one, he hugged Sarah, Matthew, the grandkids, his wifeeveryone.
Safe to say, it was a Christmas to remember. Everyone was on cloud nine. Those few days together filled all their heartsbig and smallwith such joy. But as always, it had to end.
In the morning, when Matthew left for work, Sarahs dad proudly drove him in the new carhead held high, ten years younger, youd swear. Sarah watched them roll away, smiling to herself: the present had taken on a life of its own, exactly as they hoped.
After lunch, Sarah packed up and called for another cab. Suitcases were lighter than when they arrived, but their hearts felt so much fuller. Lily hugged her Gran one last time, Harry waved to Granddad, clutching a treasured toy car for the journey home.
The drive was peacefulwithin minutes, both kids had conked out in the back, leaning against each other, full, content, and utterly happy.
As they neared home, Sarah asked the driver to pull into a little shop off the high street.
Just a minuteIll grab some nappies and water, she told him.
Five minutes later, she came out, got back inand felt her heart plummet.
The kids werent there.
The driver was relaxed as anything, chatting away with a strange young woman in the front seat.
Sorrywhats going on? Sarah managed, after a moment.
The woman spun round. Who are you? Whats this about?
The driver shrugged. No idea! Then, turning to Sarah, And who are you? Can I help?
Sarah exploded, Where are my children?
Oh, for crying out loud! shouted the woman at the driver. Youve got KIDS now?!and started whacking him with her handbag.
You just let anyone in your cab? Sarah yelled over the chaos. Where ARE my children?
Honestly, it was full-on bedlam for a good three minutesaccusations, flapping arms, youd think the world was coming to an end.
Suddenly a man opened the door. He ducked his head in, dead calm.
Excuse me, missthis isnt your taxi, he said. Im just parked a bit further up.
Everything froze. Sarah shut the door, tore out of the cab, and rushed towards an identical car parked just ahead.
She flung open the doorand there were her two children, still fast asleep in the back, utterly oblivious.
Sarah let out a breath so deep youd think shed just survived the apocalypse. She sank into the seat, slammed the door, and grumbled, Right, home, please
And then, suddenly, she burst out laughinga proper laugh, that nervous, wild, grateful kind. The driver joined in, wiping tears from his eyes, both silently thankful that this mad story ended harmlessly but would be retold forever.
As she eyed her sleeping kids, Sarah realised something simple but true: parents might seem soft, exhausted, and distracted most of the timebut the minute danger even comes close, theyre like lions. No hesitation, no second-guessingits all about protecting your own.
Thats just how love worksquiet and unassuming when things are good, unstoppable if anything ever threatens your children.
