George, the boot! The boots open, stop the car! calls out Emily, but she already knows its too late. Their belongings have started tumbling out onto the dual carriageway, and the cars behind surely havent noticed a thing.
All those presents and special treats theyd saved up for over the last couple of monthsgone! The Scottish smoked salmon, the fancy ham, the nice cheeses, not to mention the chocolates and the sparkling wine they splurged on only for the big occasions. The bags with the posh groceries and gifts were right on top in the boot so nothing would get squashed. Loads of stuff, all because they were headed to the countryside for the holidays to see Georges nan.
The roads are packed, everyones dashing out of London for Christmas. The cars are crawling, bumper to bumper, but stopping suddenly isnt really an option. So whatever tumbled out is surely lost by now.
The children in the back seat become upset, watching their mum’s worried face, and soon both are in tears. Emily manages to calm them, while George veers onto the hard shoulder and brings the car to a stop at last. Theres a faint glimmer of hopemaybe, just maybe, the things rolled to the verge. But when they walk back along the road, the disappointment sinks in; nothing to be found, only wasted time.
Dont dwell on it, love. Whats lost is lost. Well just buy other bits if we need to. And anyhow, well make do, George says, seeing how downhearted Emily has become. Its just stuff, lets get back in the car. Look at that snow coming down, its getting dark and the drives tricky now.
Emily stays silent for the rest of the drive. What good would it do to blame George for not shutting the boot properly? The car’s old, the lock isnt great, of course something like this would happen. She tries not to think about how careful shed been, pinching pennies so they could buy everything. Tears well up againso unfair! Why does it always feel like something goes wrong, one thing after another? She knows things could be worse, she does, but still, it stings. She remembers, too, the lovely thick blanket shed bought for Georges nanthat was in the boot as well. That feels like the worst loss of all.
They finally arrive in the village after midnight. They expect Georges nan, Mary, to be fast asleep, but the porch light is shining, and both Nan and her neighbour Jean hurry out to greet them.
Youre here, thank the Lord! Nan exclaims, rushing to hug each one in turn. Emily, dear, George, oh Im so glad, we were getting worried! George, my darling, where are little Jack and Lucy? Oh, there you are, my darlings, thank heaven youre all safe.
Nan, honestly, were fine, why such a fuss? George hugs her gently. Lets go inside, its snowing and youre only in your coat, youll catch your death. Whats all the worry about?
Nan waves her hand. Jean and I have been praying for you all evening, you can laugh if you want, but these things happen! I dozed off after lunch and had the strangest dreamjust as if I saw it with my own eyesyour car swerving off the road, a terrible accident. I woke in a cold sweat, couldnt shake the feeling something was wrong. Then Jean popped by, worried you werent here yet. Her sons family already arrived.
I could hardly get a word out, told her about the dream as best I could. Jean said straight away, Thats not good, wed best pray it off, maybe its not too late. And so we spent all evening in prayer, asking the Lord to see you safe. Even called on Saint Nicholas to help you along. Wed have done anything if only youd arrive in one piece. And now here you all are, thank heaven!
Youre right, Nan, Emily and George agree. And if someone else found our care package on the road, maybe it was meant for them, and it brings them some joy.
New Years Eve is spent with a house full of people and the table groaning with foodNans homegrown potatoes, pickled onions and gherkins, the classic prawn cocktail, a roast goose that smells amazing, and, of course, her legendary sausage rolls. Jack and Lucy keep sneaking warm pastries from the tray next to the old rangenothing else seems to tempt them. In the day they run wild on the snowy hill with the neighbours kids. By evening their eyes are closing, but they wont go to bed yetits almost midnight and they want to see if Father Christmas leaves a present under the tree.
Nan Mary laughs, hugging the childrenhers and Jeans great-grandkids. Theres nothing better, she thinks. Having everyone homethats the best gift.
Meanwhile, in a forgotten little village with only three houses, two elderly sisters, Hope and Faith, and their neighbour, old Michael, sit around a modest table. Lifes never been easy, but they manage, together. No family nearby, and in the winter it gets especially hardthe gardens no help, and the cold settles in for months. Still, they get by, not really alone as long as they have each other. Michael has brought a little tree, and while the foods simple, theres at least enough.
That afternoon, Michael heads to the edge of the woods to collect kindling. As hes bundling sticks onto a sled, something pokes out of a snowdrift by the verge.
He pulls at a strapits a bag. Michael opens it and staresits full of unexpected treasures. Smoked salmon, a side of ham, all sorts of treats. And at the very bottom, a white, furry blanket, as soft as snow, warm and thick. He looks roundno one about. He adds the bag to the sled and heads home.
He lays the blanket out for Hope and Faith, gets the fire going, and they set the meal on the table.
I never thought Id eat such things again, marvels Faith.
Nor I, Hope replies, quietly amazed.
Michael sits back and says, I reckon the Lord sent this our waya little reward after all the years. Perhaps well have a bit more time, see what Hes got in store for us, and be glad for it.
Its never worth fretting over lost things. Perhaps, its a blessing in disguise, a chance to avoid some greater unhappiness. Better to be grateful for what truly matterseach otherthan mourn whats gone.
