Page 56 of The Last Gargoyle's Christmas Wish

“Then go. Ruthie and I are fine.” Uzoth continued to rock the baby.

At one point, Tony, Ordelia’s husband, came over and asked, “Are you sure you’re still okay holding Ruthie?”

Ruthie had woken now but seemed happy to be in his arms, playing with his tail.

“I am fine.” Uzoth smiled. “I am content here with Ruthie.”

“Well, if you’re sure. Let me know if you get bored.” Tony clapped him on the shoulder before going off to fry something.

Uzoth was not bored. He was amongst the witches he’d silently watched over for years. They bristled with activity and noise. How could he be bored whilst amongst these individuals?

After a while, Jack came over. “Can I take her for a bit, Uzoth? I haven’t had time with my niece in a while.”

“Of course you may.” Uzoth handed her over, although he missed her weight in his arms. He enjoyed being her guardian.

After handing her over, he watched Jack smile down at his niece. Then Uzoth walked to the back door. He stepped out, closing the door behind him. Snow fell and landed on his skin. Craning his neck, he stared up at the spot where he had squatted all those times before.

The door opened. Uzoth turned.

Grady came up beside him. “Are you all right?”

Once again, Uzoth gazed at the rooftops. “For so many years, I watched you all from up above.”

Grady took his hand. “And now you are one of us.”

Uzoth nodded, throat tight. “Ordelia said I am part of the family.”

“You are.” Grady squeezed his hand. “How do you feel about that?”

“Honoured.” Uzoth faced Grady. “I have been alone for so many years. It is a great blessing to be part of your family and be able to protect you and them. For so long, I have wished for atrue purpose, for those to guard.” Uzoth stepped closer to Grady, gazing down into his face. “And I have wished for someone to stand beside me. With you, I have found that. With you, I am not alone.”

Grady smiled softly at him. “Your wish came true, then, like a Christmas wish, a gargoyle’s Christmas wish.”

Snowflakes continued to fall. In the bakery, voices, laughter, and the clatter of kitchenware could be heard.

“Come inside.” Grady tugged his hand. “Come be with me and let’s celebrate Christmas. That’s where you belong. Not out here in the cold. Not anymore.”

Uzoth smiled and followed Grady into the warmth, leaving the snow and the cold of the alley behind.