Page 29

Chapter

Twenty-Eight

A CHRISTMAS WISH

Willow

Past

“I didn’t need a Christmas wish— just a moment with him.” — W

I wake up suddenly, the soft glow of moon shining through my mushroom-themed curtains, casting silver patterns on the carpet. It’s Christmas Eve, and I can’t help but hope to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus flying across the night sky, delivering presents to every child around the world.

Daddy said that on Christmas Eve, Santa travels the world, delivering gifts. He told me Santa’s sleigh isn’t just pulled by reindeer— it’s powered by the love and joy people feel at Christmas time. The more excitement and kindness there is in the world, the faster and farther Santa can go.

That’s why mommy makes Christmas so special and why we left extra cookies and milk for Santa tonight. He needs all the love to help him visit every house, so no child wakes up tomorrow morning without presents or joy.

With my heart full of excitement, I slip out of bed, pull on my Rudolph slippers, and tiptoe to the window. I’m hoping I can spot Santa— and maybe ask him for a special favor.

I was thinking that if it’s not too much trouble, maybe he could give some of my presents to Madden. I have so much, and Madden needs all the love and magic in the world.

“Come on, Santa…” I whisper as I hold up the drawing I made for him and press my nose to the window. But instead of seeing reindeer on Santa's sleigh, I see Madden. He’s crouched low, walking across the garden with his old backpack in his hands like it’s his lifeline. My heart thuds in my chest, and it hurts. It hurts a lot. What’s he doing out there, in the middle of the night and in the freezing cold? I feel my stomach twist. If he’s carrying his backpack, he must be running away.

No. He can’t go.

He’ll be so lonely—lonely and scared.

And if he leaves, then Santa won’t be able to find him, and he won’t get any presents. I don’t want him to go.

“Madden!” I whisper, pressing my hands to the cold glass. But I know he can’t hear me or the noise I’m making against my window. The wind swallows the noise, and he’s too far gone to hear me. My heart sinks as I watch him stop for a second, glance back at the house, then shake his head and keep walking toward the garden that leads to the beach.

Tears fill my eyes. I can’t stand the thought of him being out there all alone, with no one to help him. He’ll be without a friend or someone who cares. Even when he was sad and angry he still looked out for me. He never made me feel sad, like other kids did. Madden was quiet, but he had a good heart— a big one even when life made him sad and angry.

“Please, Santa… Please guide him back home.” I slide down to the floor, hugging my knees, feeling the loss of my friend. The Christmas lights Mommy hung on the ceiling and the ones on the small Christmas tree twinkle happily, but here I am, trapped in a moment that feels colorless and sad. “Madden…” I whisper again, wishing he would come back. I don’t want him to go.

I don’t want him to be alone.

I wipe my tears and run to get Daddy. He’ll find Madden and bring him back before it’s too late.

But that didn’t happen.

I never saw Madden again.

Not until years later, when Santa granted me my Christmas wish.