Tomorrow was Christmas Eve and it was a job and a half keeping a five-year-old from getting too antsy over the impending present exchange. Leah was doing her best. Between paying visits to friends and family, the playground, and another ice-skating lesson at the rink, Marigold had been sufficiently distracted from the pile of gifts awaiting her under the tree when she got home.
Last year had been the first year in four that Leah had actually been in the mood for the season. Things had been more cheerful last year, for whatever reason. This year… well, this year Leah had countless new reasons to look forward to Christmas. She didn’t care about getting things for herself; she had just about everything she needed and didn’t expect people to give her things. With the town just about picked over, one couldn’t expect to find much in the way of gifts.
Except for toys. For some reason, there were always things for children around. Toys, games, clothing. In a way, it was a depressing sign, because it meant that not many items for children were needed because there weren’t as many children around. But at least it meant that Leah and the rest of the family could dote on Marigold. Not for the first time did Leah wonder how big holidays like this were handled in the government facility. And not for the first time did she make a silent vow to outdo whatever Marigold was used to seeing. This would be a Christmas to remember. Their first Christmas together.
Leah returned to the apartment after a brief skating lesson. A sad-faced Marigold had her head resting on Leah’s shoulder. The second lesson hadn’t gone much better than the first. Marigold wound up on her bottom more than her feet. Maybe next year, when she was older, she’d be able to keep her balance better. Leah smiled a greeting at Evan, taking her time removing Marigold’s winter clothes and boots. When she was finished, she sent the girl into the other room with a gentle warning about not touching the presents under the Christmas tree.
Shrugging off her coat, Leah turned to hang it on the hook near the door, then crossed her arms as she turned back to face Evan. “You look like you’ve been up to something. Is it another something to add to the giant pile of somethings for the little butterfly in the other room?”