THE FERALS

By Tessa Harvey



He had taken long service leave from his work in the aviation industry. Now his job was probably gone. A memory. And the memories had inevitably followed him - of Angela, of their courtship (such an old-fashioned word these days, but one he preferred), of their marriage, the joy of pregnancy, the gift of a son...Jake braked his mind. Instead he focused on that wonderful sunset outside the old cinema. Never had he seen a more wonderful display of glory.

Was God real? He didn't know.

Trying not to think ahead or even consider his present predicament, Jake curled up and slowly drifted into sleep...

Morning came and Christmas!

As countless parents did worldwide, at least in richer countries, Jake awoke to the sounds of paper rustling, a child murmuring excitedly to itself, then the thud of sudden footsteps as said child launched off one bed and onto his! Oof! He groaned, winded. With relief, Jake noted it was no longer dark and he had a brief glimpse of a red sun rising like a giant's holly berry. Then he was engulfed in excitement. "Santa came! Santa came! How did he know where I was?? Look at this cool book, look at this great car! Wow, dad, lollies. Yay!" Brodie gripped his Christmas stocking happily.

Then he suddenly noticed something wrapped in a sheet, propped against his dad's bedroom wall. "Did you get a present too, dad?! What is it? Can I look, please? Can I?"

Jake flung the covers back and put his feet on the floor - and immediately wished he had not done that! It was freezing and neither of them had robes or slippers. "Come on Brodie, let's get dressed by the fire. It's much too cold up here. Grab your clothes and I'll bring the presents. Shall I make pancakes (and coffee he thought wistfully)?"




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