Star on the Mantel

Two

After several exams ensuring Dr. Reese's diagnosis, Claire was allowed to come home. Mom stayed at the hospital every night. Claire was not sure if she ever slept. She answered every question Claire had for her. Before the accident, she was a 20 year old college student who live on UIC's campus, finishing her Bachelor's degree in Nursing. She was bright and a hard worker, according to Mom. Her roommate kept an eye on her possessions in their apartment while she was away.
Claire's eyes widened, looking at the three story home in front of her. "This is where you live?" she asked Mom.
"Yeah, and you too for now," Mom grinned as she opened the cherry red door. "After you."
Entering the home, visitors were greeted by a "welcome" mat covered by images of little birds on snow covered branches. Shimmering tinsel spiraled the staircase, guiding a trail of family portraits and photos hanging on the wall. Red and green lights gleaned from the living room. Laughter echoed in the dining room. The smell of nutmeg filled the air. Claire was home.
"You were coming home for the holidays on that bus ride," Mom explained. "We decided to hold the party back."
A little boy with dusty brown hair peeked from the dining room. "She's home!" he shouted. "Claire's home!" People, young and old, pooled out from the room. An elderly woman hugged her, not letting go. A little girl pulled her through the kitchen to show her prized sugar cookie decorations. Multiple people asked how school was going. Claire smiled, glancing at her mother. There was still pain in her eyes, as if she was replaying the conversation she had with Dr. Reese in her mind. But Mom was a wonderful actress. They all were. They were not celebrating Christmas a week later. Claire wasn't sitting at the table battered and confused.