The wind howled on that winter night — he crawled from his bed.
On tiptoes, he crept. Holding the railing his hand balanced him. Walking on the edge of the steps was safer. The old house trembled and creaked unless one was very cautious.
A smile curled as he put his hands over his mouth to stifle a squeal. He knew she would do it!
The tree was lit.
A moment of sadness awoke a vision from the past:
His mother with a bottle in her hand asleep on the sofa. Other kids talked about their gifts…mostly he wanted his mother…
Bright eyes opened wide as he stared in wonder. Red packages, candy canes, a stocking with a note: Wake me after you unwrap the large green ball.
Tearing strips of crape paper he found tiny toys. The ball got smaller, and at the end a message:
I love you son.