A Christmas Boon (674 words)

                                   (If  you like this short story and are inclined, please leave your comment.)

 Ambrose lay reclined on the sofa, with no desire to rise and switch on the lights, even as darkness crept into the room. The television had been turned off after only a few minutes, the novel he had been reading lay forgotten at his side, and the music system stood silent. Ever since his young wife, Sharon, had passed away two years ago, he had lost interest in everything.

Through the window, he could see the bright lights glowing in neighbouring houses, the beautifully decorated Christmas trees, and shining stars hanging outside. Christmas was just a day away. He remembered how Sharon and he would spend hours decorating their tree—carefully placing ribbons, shiny ornaments, and neatly wrapped gifts. The tree still lay stored away in one of the rear rooms, but he had no heart to bring it out.

To escape the stuffiness of the house and the dull headache he was having, Ambrose wandered across the road to the nearby market. As he passed a shop filled with Christmas trees, twinkling lights, ornaments, shiny balls, and a variety of decorations, he noticed a little boy of about eight or nine standing outside, peering intently through the glass. The child moved from one end of the display to the other without taking his eyes off the treasures inside.

“Hey, what are you looking at so intently?” Ambrose asked.

The boy turned eagerly. “I’m looking at all the things inside. Aren’t they beautiful, mister?”

“Yes, they are. Don’t you have a Christmas tree at home? What’s your name?” Ambrose asked kindly.

“No, we don’t have one. We became poor after my dad passed away two years ago. Mom says we can’t afford it. My name is Xavier,” the boy replied softly.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Ambrose said, moved. “I have a Christmas tree with all the decorations, but I won’t be using it. I could give it to you.”

Just then, a voice called out from behind. “Xavier, how long are you going to stand there? Come along, we’re heading home.” It was the boy’s mother. She looked about thirty and was strikingly attractive. Ambrose found himself momentarily bewitched.

“Mom, this uncle says he has a Christmas tree all decorated and wants to give it to me. Can I take it?” Xavier pleaded.

 She turned toward Ambrose, whose eyes were already fixed on her. Ambrose, at thirty-four, was a handsome man, and her heart skipped a beat. Still, she said firmly, “Xavier, we shouldn’t accept gifts from strangers. Come here, let’s go.”

Ambrose stepped forward. “We’re strangers only until we become acquainted and turn into friends. I truly won’t be using the tree. Please let Xavier have it. If you agree, I can bring it over in my car. I live just across the road.”

She hesitated, uncertain.

With gentle insistence, Ambrose said, “Xavier, tell me where you live. I’ll bring it over within an hour.”

Soon, the tree stood proudly in their small but neatly kept house, adorned with ornaments and a few carefully tied gifts. Xavier’s eyes sparkled with joy.

Turning to the lady, Ambrose said, “My name is Ambrose. I lost my wife two years ago, that's why I haven’t felt like celebrating. Thanks to Xavier, I’m beginning to feel the Christmas spirit again. You haven’t introduced yourself yet.”

“I’m Sharon,” she replied softly. “I lost my husband in an accident two years ago. I work on a small job to manage. I’m glad to meet such a kind-hearted man. We seem to be sailing in the same boat. I, too, hadn’t felt like celebrating, though Xavier kept insisting. Thanks to you, I can finally feel the Christmas cheer and hope for happier days ahead.”

Ambrose smiled in amazement. “What a coincidence. My wife’s name was also Sharon. You mentioned happier days ahead. Yes, we can make them happy. Please accept me as a friend. I’m no longer a stranger.”

She lowered her eyes shyly, unable to meet his gaze.

On that quiet Christmas Eve, a new love was born.