188: MEMORIES 5

ARIEL’S POV

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I smiled as I gazed at the twinkling Christmas lights adorning the grand staircase of the mansion. The festive spirit filled the air, and I couldn’t wait to make this Christmas the most magical one yet for my two little children, Lukel and Janice. As I bustled around the spacious living room, arranging garlands and hanging ornaments on the towering Christmas tree, I could hear the excited chatter of my children coming from the nearby playroom.

“Lukel, Janice, come help me with the tree!” I called out, my voice filled with warmth and joy.

The children came bounding into the room, their faces bright with anticipation. Lukel, with his mischievous grin, and Janice, with her sparkling eyes, eagerly joined me in decorating the tree. They carefully placed ornaments on the branches, their laughter filling the room as we reminisced about Christmases past.

We worked, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the precious moments spent with my children. Despite the challenges we had faced, we were a tight–knit family, and our love for each other shone brightly during the holiday season.

Just then, the doorbell rang, and I hurried to answer it. Standing on the doorstep was Hannah, the kind and generous soul who had always been there to put a smile on your face. She hadn’t been around for quite some time, but it was a great thing that she was back.

“Come in, Hannah! We’re so glad you could join us,” I hugged her.

Hannah beamed as she entered the mansion. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world! I brought some homemade gingerbread cookies for us to enjoy while we decorate.”

Together, the three of us and my two children set to work, our laughter and chatter filling the mansion with joy. Hannah helped string lights around the fireplace mantel while Lukel, Janice, and I placed a star atop the Christmas tree.

While we continued working, Lukel and Janice regaled Hannah with tales of their school Christmas play and their letters to Santa. Hannah listened attentively, and it didn’t take long before Elizabeth joined us, along with Manuel and Andre.

“Wow, this place is really looking nice,” Elizabeth said, looking around. “I can help with this, right?”

at her. She giggled, and my eyes went to Andre. He gave me the thumbs up, and I gave him the perfect sign.

cocoa and gather around the crackling fire. The children’s faces lit up at the idea, and soon we were all cozied up on the plush

and sharing stories.

evening wore on, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of contentment. Surrounded by loved

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of a great place to call home. This Christmas will definitely be one to

in the glow of the tree. The children’s eyes sparkled with delight as they unwrapped their presents, and I felt

bed, their hearts full of dreams of sugarplums and reindeer. And as I

above. In that moment, amidst joy and love, I realized that the true magic of Christmas lay not in the

the air, I couldn’t help but feel that this was just the

come.

stood up, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “I have a special Christmas surprise for you all,”

up his sleeve. With a smile, he began to sing a

clapped and cheered, amazed by his talent. Elizabeth even stood up and gave him

up and proclaimed, “I have a special talent too!” We all looked at him expectantly,

a deck of cards and began to do a magic trick. However, it was clear that he wasn’t very good at it. The cards kept falling out of his hands, and

We were all proud of him for trying, and it was the

carols, and exchanged stories. The mansion was filled with laughter and love,

sat by the fireplace, sipping on hot cocoa and watching the snow fall outside. We talked about our hopes and dreams for

had been truly magical, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. And I knew that with these amazing people by

Janice as I was about to tell them

you tell us a Christmas story?” Janice asked.

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