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Prologue
Monroe
Four Years Old…
It was the most exciting night ever! I sat on the floor, surrounded by boxes of shiny stuff, while Mom held a string of twinkly lights. Our apartment smelled like yummy cookies, and there was music playing in the background that made me feel all warm inside.
Mom smiled at me and gave me a glass thingy with a pretty angel on it. "Here, sweetie, let's put this one first. It was your grandma's favorite."
I held the glass thingy real careful in my little hands. The angel had golden wings and was so pretty. "It's so, so pretty, Mommy!"
We hung the angel on a branch, and it twinkled with the lights all around it. I felt like it was a magic angel, just like the ones in my storybooks.
Mom told me stories about when she was a little kid, like me, and how she used to wake up super early on Christmas morning. She talked about opening presents and being with her family, and her eyes sparkled when she talked about it. It was like she was telling me a bedtime story, but it was real.
Mom was different tonight. Her eyes were alert and she was speaking to me so nice. It made me think maybe that story I had read at school last week was right—that miracles did happen on Christmas.
“I wish every day could be like Christmas,” I whispered.
Mom looked at me and smiled real soft. "I promise, sweetheart. I'm gonna be right here with you, and we're gonna have the best Christmas ever."
I felt all warm and fuzzy inside, like I was wrapped in a cozy blanket. Putting shiny things on the tree felt like a magical adventure with Mom, just like the stories in my books.
When we put the last shiny thing–the ornament she’d told me it was called–on the tree, I was so happy. The room was all sparkly from the lights on the tree, and it smelled like cookies. Mom said she loved me more than anything, and I said I loved her too.
We sat together by the tree, and it felt like the best Christmas ever. It wasn't just about the shiny things or the lights; it was about Mommy and me being together and feeling all warm and happy inside on Christmas Eve.
After we finished decorating the Christmas tree, Mom smiled down at me and said, "Alright, sweetie, it's time for bed. Santa will be here soon."
I looked up at her with wide, hopeful eyes. "Is Santa really coming, Mommy? Sometimes he forgets."
Her eyes dimmed and for a moment I felt panicked. I didn’t want to make Mommy sad tonight. She got bad again when she was sad.
“But I don’t mind, Mommy. Honest, I don’t!”
Mom bent down and kissed my forehead. "He won't forget this time, Monroe. You've been such a good girl this year, and Santa knows it. He's going to bring you the most wonderful presents."
I couldn't help but grin at the thought of Santa coming with presents just for me. I nodded eagerly. "Okay, Mommy, I'll go to bed."
Mom tucked me in, making sure the blankets were snug around me. "Now, remember, sweetie, you have to stay in bed and go to sleep. Santa won't come if you're awake."
I nodded again, determined to be the best little girl ever. "I'll stay in bed, Mommy, I promise."
Mom leaned down and gave me one last kiss. "Goodnight, Monroe. Sweet dreams, and I'll see you in the morning."
With that, she turned off the bedroom light and closed the door behind her.
I closed my eyes, feeling the excitement bubbling inside me. Santa was on his way. He wasn’t going to forget. She had promised.
I settled into bed, determined to be fast asleep before Santa's arrival.
I woke up with my heart all jumpy and wiggly, like there were butterflies inside my tummy. Christmas was finally here! I yanked my blanket off me and jumped out of bed, ready to race to the living room.
Through the door I could hear Christmas music playing softly and I grinned. Mommy was probably already up and ready for the best day ever. I couldn't wait to see what Santa brought me.
I pushed open the door and ran into the room, all ready to see the magic.
But the magic wasn't there.
