The Land Christmas Forgot by David Purse

Author:David Purse [Purse, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-913600-09-9
Publisher: Inked Entertainment

Forgiveness and Farewells

Stefan wiped his sweating hands against his pants and knocked on the door.

“Go away.”

This wasn’t how things were supposed to go. Old Father Time was supposed to help. Krampus was so much stronger than the three of them. He had his magic and his horde of snowmen and shadow wolves. Without the old man’s help, they were sure to fail. Santa said he was their only hope in stopping Krampus before it was too late.

Stefan hovered at the door, ready to knock again, but thought better of it. He may be old, but Old Father Time had power. Stefan saw it in his intimidating eyes. Pestering him after he stormed off could anger him more. He might throw them back out in the storm.

He turned to leave, but stopped.

His mind went back to his first big game on the baseball team at his old school. His teammates had left the locker room, pumped and ready to face their rivals, but he had stayed behind. It didn’t take long for his dad to come find him.

He sat down next to Stefan on the bench. “Hey, son, what are you doing down here? The game’s about to start.”

His dad wore the team colors, blue and silver, in support—even had their hat.

Stefan looked down at his boots, ready to hurl up his breakfast. “I’m scared I’ll mess up. I don’t want to be the reason the team loses.”

His dad placed his big hand over Stefan’s shoulders and pulled him into a hug. “You will be the reason you guys lose if you don’t go and try. You can’t just give up on yourself and let the team down. You have to try, and try your best. Then, no matter what happens, you’ll know you’ve done everything you can. Believe in yourself, kiddo.”

Stefan looked up at his dad. “What if I don’t believe I can do it?”

His dad leaned down to his level and met his eyes. “I believe in you.”

Stefan sighed. “You need to say that. You’re my dad.”

“Hey, have I ever lied to you?”

“No.”

“And I never will. I know you can do this.” He picked up the bat on the bench and handed it to Stefan. He was first in the lineup.

Stefan took the bat and his dad kissed the top of his head. “You do?” he asked.

His dad smiled and flipped the tip of Stefan’s hat. “Of course I do. Now go out there and do your very best. I’ll be rooting for you from the sidelines. Always.”

Stefan gripped the bat and nodded, queasiness gone. “Okay, I’m ready.”

Stefan went out that day and tried his hardest, knowing his dad believed in him. The team never won, but Stefan knew he had done his best—and he had to do his best now.

Old Father Time may be intimidating, but Stefan had to make him see reason. They needed his help, and Stefan couldn’t stand there and do nothing. He had to believe in himself, just like his dad had. Resolve grew inside him, steadying his nerves just like it had that day in the locker room.

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