Many Windows by Rukhsana Khan

Author:Rukhsana Khan
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781459726369
Publisher: Dundurn Press

STEPHANIE–A CHRISTMAS’WISH

by Elisa Carbone

Mama and Daddy say Christmas is about remembering how Jesus said, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” and about helping people who don’t have as much as we do. That’s why we always go to the Daily Bread soup kitchen on Christmas day and help serve the food.

But I think Christmas ought to be at least a little bit about getting the things on your Christmas list. About getting the one big thing you really wanted. The one big thing you’ve been asking for every single year since you were five years old, and nobody has caught on yet.

I’ve been writing “I WANT A PONY!” at the top of my list every year. And I’ve waited patiently. I’ve been good. I’ve done my chores, finished my homework, gotten good grades. Still no pony.

“We live on the fourteenth floor,” Mama says. “How do you suppose you can take care of a pony?”

“What about a new bicycle?” Daddy says. “It’ll fit in the elevator much more easily than a pony.”

I shake my head. “The pony won’t live here with us. I’ll keep him in a stable and go after school to take care of him.”

Once again, this year, there is no hint of a pony under the tree. No envelope with a note inside saying, “We’ll take you to the stables today to meet him.” No miniature plastic pony with a sign on it saying, “We’ll go shopping for your real pony tomorrow!”

Instead, I get a sweater and some books, and a new set of pajamas. I smile and say thanks, but by the time we’re ready to go to the Daily Bread, I know I’m looking as long-faced as a sad old mule.

“Cheer up,” Mama says. “It’s Christmas.”

At the Daily Bread, people are already gathering. “Merry Christmas!” shouts Mr. Hawkins. “Merry Christmas!” I shout back. Mr. Hawkins is a little deaf.

I take a deep breath. I can smell turkey, biscuits, gravy and pumpkin pie all at once. Yum, I hope there are leftovers.

I’m tying on my apron when from behind somebody slips a pair of hands over my eyes. “Who’s that?” I ask, trying to turn around.

Benjamin lets go and grins at me.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

Suddenly, there’s a flash of colour and Deepa, Jameel and Natalie come running in too. “What are you all doing here?” I ask. I can’t believe it—my four best friends, all here at the soup kitchen on Christmas day.

“We don’t do Christmas,” says Jameel.

“And everything was closed,” adds Natalie.

“And we were complaining of nothing to do,” says Deepa, “so my dad said he’d drive us all here so we could help out.”

Benjamin says, “What are you doing here? I thought you’d be home opening presents.”

I sigh. “I already did.”

“And?” Deepa asks. “No sign of a pony?”

I shake my head. Deepa puts her arm around me. “Maybe next year,” she says softly.

I’m starting to believe it’ll never happen.

“What is it with girls and ponies?” Benjamin asks. “What’s the big deal?”

I glare at him.

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