199 : Santa's Gift

VERENA

“Mommy, you are supposed to place the star at the top!” Ezra’s yell brings me out of my trance and I find my arm trying to put the sparkling golden star in one of the branches of the fir tree, not where it belongs.

“Oh, you’re right. Sorry.” I apologize and turn to my boy who’s grown taller. “Would you like to place the star on the top?”

He nods. “Yes.” He takes the star from my hand and I pick him up in my arms to elevate him to the height of the Christmas tree we are decorating together.

Just like every year, we are celebrating this year too. But unlike other times, I am distracted by my thoughts of Elijah. He texted me that he’s leaving for the battle. But that was his last text. A sense of fear gnaws at my chest.

Is he safe?

To be honest, I wasn’t in the mood to celebrate Christmas. But for the sake of the kids, I am keeping up. A year has passed and the only source of communication between us was through Isabella and some secured texts.

“Done.” Ezra says and I place hi