The Gift of Christmas: The Novella Range by Shimwell Ian

Author:Shimwell, Ian [Shimwell, Ian]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Shimwell's Stories
Published: 2014-11-30T16:00:00+00:00

John

John smiled as he walked downstairs. It was Christmas morning; the snow had settled, creating a smooth gleaming white blanket – it truly was a white Christmas. He knew Tessy would already be downstairs and have probably opened half her presents. He had clean forgot that there was someone else in the house. So when he opened the living room door, he had quite a shock.

The stranger was sat cross-legged, assembling one of Tessy’s toys with Tess herself sat close to him.

“What is going on?” John asked worriedly.

“We’re just trying to construct the operating wing of this world hospital – it might be easier to build a real one,” the stranger said jokingly.

“Tess, has he harmed you in any way?”

Tess answered her father with surprising force: “Of course not, Daddy. My friend is only helping me with the bits you normally find impossible.”

“Oh.” John was starting to have that sinking feeling.

The stranger clicked a piece firmly into place. “There – this hospital wing is now officially ready to receive patients.”

A clear thought edged John’s confusion to one side. “Hey, how did you get out of the cellar? Tammy was certain she locked it.”

“All doors are open to me, my friend.”

The stranger’s eyes settled into John’s. John sensed hidden depths in them of great magnitude.

Tammy then walked in and cheerfully wished everyone a happy Christmas.

“Oh,” said the stranger, suddenly rising to his feet. “I nearly forgot, in all the excitement of the world hospital, I have a Christmas gift for you all.”

John didn’t understand. “What kind of gift?”

“A feline one,” smiled the stranger.

A light brown cat sprang into the room, jumped into Tess’ arms and licked her face.

“Squeaker!” cried Tess with a wondrous joy. “You’re better –and back to your old cheeky self.”

“I don’t believe it – a Christmas miracle,” stated Tammy.

John looked at their Christmas guest evenly. “Are you somehow suggesting that you are responsible for our cat’s miraculous return to health?”

The stranger winked at Tess. “I know a dog – or a cat should be for life and not just for Christmas, but I couldn’t resist.” Tess laughed and he turned his attention to her father. “I will leave it up to you my friend, as to what you believe…”

John shook his head in bewilderment. He loved to see Squeaker playing and being, well Squeaker – but he didn’t know what to think.

Tammy decided it was time to start making breakfast and asked Tess if she would help her.

Tess was about to join her Mum, when the stranger touched her arm to stop her. He then seemed to change his mind and almost ushered her away.

John now had the uncomfortable feeling that the stranger wanted to talk to him alone. “So, what is it you want to chat about – how Christmas seems to get earlier every year?”

“If that’s what you really want to say in our all too brief time together. Please don’t tell your wife, but I am about to break her confidence.”

“All right,” said John thoughtfully, “you have my attention.

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