New Years Miracle
Today, Richard and I decided to greet the New Year together, quietly at home. Its been a while since our health allowed anything as ambitious as even a short trip out. The circle of friends and family has grown ever smaller, and honestly, there isnt really anyone left to visit anymore. We did try to persuade Richards sister, Margaret, to spend the evening with us, but she was insistentshe wanted to see in the New Year on her own. Neither cajolery nor kind words worked on her; well, each to their own!
The ring of the doorbell startled us both. It was so unexpected. Richard went off to answer, frowning in confusion. Who could it possibly be at this hour?
On our doorstep stood our neighbours from downstairsthe young couple, Tom and Jane, along with their little daughter, Emily. They looked harried and apologetic. Look, began Jane, weve both been called into workemergency, you see. Would you mind having Emily for the night? Shell go to bed in about an hour and a half, and well be back first thing in the morning. Theres no point dragging her along to the hospital. Shes been so looking forward to New Years Eve, especially as we dont even have a Christmas tree in the childrens ward. It would break her heart to spend the night there.
Their anxious faces spoke volumes, and Emily looked to be on the verge of tearsa prospect quite unbearable, especially on New Years Eve. I remembered once reading about a tribe in Africa where they never let children cry; any hint of sadness, and the whole community would work to cheer the little ones up. Supposedly, the children from that tribe grew up calm, content, and never argumentative. We, on the other hand, often say, Let them cry it outa good cry never hurt anyone. But seeing Emilys watery eyes, I wasnt having any of it.
Come here, Emily, Richard said, holding out his hands. Would you like to stay with us tonight? Shall we go see what we have to play with? Show me with your fingers, how old are you?
Three, she replied, clear as a bell. Four soon.
Well, thats nearly grown-up, Richard smiled warmly. Come in, dont keep standing in the hall. Mary, we have guests!
Guests are always welcome, I chimed. Come right in. Weve got a Christmas treenot much of one, mind you, but Father Christmas is sure to find it and pop some gifts beneath it.
Will he really? Emilys eyes widened.
He definitely will! I promised.
And for me too?
Of course, I said, since youll be seeing in the New Year with us.
Alright then, she grinned, Ill wait for him here.
Emilys parents left looking sheepish, wishing us a happy New Year as they hurried out, and our little visitor took a small tour of our living room, curious and observant.
Whats this youre wearing, Emily? Richard asked, noting her sparkly outfit.
Im a snowflake! she announced proudly. We did a snowflake dance under the tree at nursery. Father Christmas came and brought sweets as gifts. But if you like, I could show you my dance, and you can dance along!
Im not sure well be much good, chuckled Richard.
Just try! Emily laughed. All you do is skip about and wave your arms. The song tells you what to do.
She began to sing, her little feet shuffling and hands fluttering in perfect time, her costume twinkling in the lamplight:
Were little white snowflakes,
Down from clouds we whirl,
Fluttering and twirling,
Dancing as we twirl.
We come from that white cloud,
And here we rest awhile,
Then a gust of wind will lift us
Over all the snowy miles!
There was nothing for itRichard and I pranced about, flailing our arms, making a spectacle of ourselves as Emily giggled in delight. Did we look like dainty snowflakes? Probably not, but Emily believed we did, and that was quite enough. Once her performance ended, we all collapsed onto the sofa, laughing at ourselves and the unexpected fun of the evening.
Never thought Id be a snowflake in my life, Richard said. I was a soldier once, made it as far as colonel, but never imagined this!
Ive been a Snow Maiden plenty of times, I reminded him, but never a snowflake. Dont you recall? You first met me when I was in costume, playing music at the officers Christmas do.
I do remember now, Richard mused. You were hosting the celebration and Id assumed you were just a girl, not a grown woman. Didnt give it another thought then. Only realised who you were weeks later, when you turned up at the Officers Club dance in a little cotton dress, bright red necklace and sensible shoes. I asked you for a dance and had to ask where Id seen you before. You enchanted me then, you know. And just thinkthat was forty-five years ago, tonight. Well, what do you say? Shall I take out my old guitar for a song, ladies? Its been far too long.
Sing for us, I encouraged him, Emily and I settling onto the sofa.
Richard nestled the guitar on his knee, strummed a few tentative chords, then, looking into Emilys trusting eyes, sang in his gentle baritone:
Lovely eyes of blue and green,
You won me with your shining sheen.
So full of laughter, full of joy,
My darling girl, my pride, my boy.
Id walk through fire, through rain and snow
If only you would love me so.
To our delight, Emily clapped gleefully. Now sing a tree song, Grandpa!
And so he did, Oh Christmas Tree, oh Christmas Tree…
I never imagined wed have so much fun this New Years Eve. Id pictured an early supper, a glance at fireworks through the window, then off to bed. But here we were: singing, dancing, laughing. What a lovely night!
Emily asked me to move the armchair right up to the Christmas tree. She was determined to stay awake and meet Father Christmas. But soon enough, her eyes drooped, and she nodded off right there.
I made up a little bed for her on the living room sofa, and Richard gently lifted her up, cradling her small body. There was something so sweet about her peaceful breathing, and Richard kissed her forehead softly before tucking her in. Sleep well, little one. Ill make sure Father Christmas brings your present tonight.
Morning came. Emily rushed to the Christmas tree. There, waiting, was a huge boxand inside, a doll.
He did come! she squealed, I missed him again! Thank you for my doll, Father Christmas! She shouted her message out the window for good measure.
Do you think he heard me? she asked.
Of course he did, Richard replied with a smile.
How Richard found such a beautiful doll, late on New Years night, is a mystery. Even to me, it will remain our little unsolved miracle…
