Heroes, Holidays, and Hope (Volume 1) by Dania Voss

Author:Dania Voss [Collective Authors]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heroes, Holidays, and Hope Project
Published: 2023-11-10T00:00:00+00:00

After changing into my uniform, I step into the courtyard to find the Secret Santa party underway. Frau Zitterbart really knocked herself out tonight. A pair of Christmas trees sparkle beside the fire pit. Star-shaped paper lanterns dangle from the eaves of the outbuildings, each lit from within. The storage shed is decked with pine garlands tied with red ribbon. A crock pot of mulled wine perfumes the air.

Klara’s right—no one does Christmas like the Germans.

I join the other adults at the fire pit while the kids chase each other around the courtyard, their laughter echoing against the walls of the two apartment buildings. If anyone had told me last year I’d be living in a converted stable, in an apartment that looks like it belongs to the seven dwarves, I’d have questioned their sanity. But I’ve gotta admit, I’m starting to love it here.

I make sure Cody’s busy with the other kids, then snag one of Klara’s crispy little pastries before they’re gone. There she is, over by the fire. I step up behind her. “Pity I have to work tonight. Software updates, records back-ups, boring stuff I’ve got to finish before the holiday break.”

She flashes a mischievous smile. “I get it, top secret. Thanks for keeping our country safe from...whatever it is you’re keeping us safe from.”

I love that teasing twinkle in her eye. “Even if we were married, I couldn’t tell you.”

Klara chokes on her wine.

What was I thinking? I haven’t even slept with the woman, and I mention marriage? Way to spook her, genius.

“Count yourself lucky.” I aim for a nonchalant tone. “It’s really not that interesting.”

Frau Z approaches with a tray of cookies. Tonight she sparkles as much as her courtyard, with a glittery red hat atop her snow-white hair, a fuzzy green scarf tucked under her double chin, and three different light-up pins on the lapel of her coat. She eyes my uniform and raises one penciled-on eyebrow.

“Sorry, Frau Zitterbart. I have to work tonight.”

She tuts. “But not Heiligabend?”

“Christmas Eve,” Klara translates.

“We’ll be there. Thanks so much for the invitation, Frau Z. Your hospitality means a lot, especially since Cody and I are all alone this Christmas.”

The old lady swats away my comment. “Ach, quatsch. Alone? You have all of us.” She gives Klara’s arm a pat, then moves to the fire pit where old Fred is adding firewood.

“You think she knows about us?” I whisper to Klara.

“Nothing escapes those sharp Oma eyes. You should hire her for your spy team.”

Frau Z claps her hands. “Time for Wichteln! Who goes first?” Before anyone can answer, she points to Cody. “We start with the newest one. Who is your Secret Santa, Junge?”

Poor kid looks like his face is about to combust as he hands his gift to Alina. Eyes bright, she unwraps the rhinestone skull earrings he picked out with Luna’s help, gasps, and does a little happy dance before skipping over to show her grandmother, who laughs, thank goodness. I wasn’t sure she’d approve.

Alina

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