Rose had just finished watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a movie she'd recently fallen in love with.
For months, she'd heard about her father's deal, and didn't know what would happen.
She sang quietly to herself, "Where are you Christmas? Why can't I find you? Why have you gone away? Where is the laughter you used to bring me? Why can't I hear music play?"
Lana silently listened to her daughter, feeling her heart break. "Baby, I know it's confusing and hard."
"Why does Daddy have to go?" the little girl wondered.
"We're all hoping he doesn't, but if he does, know he did it to save Uncle Sammy."
"It's not fair."
"No it isn't."
Lana began singing softly. "My world is changing. I'm rearranging. Does that mean Christmas changes too? Where are you Christmas? Do you remember the one you used to know? I'm not the same one. See what the time's done. Is that why you have let me go, oh?"
"Mommy? What's today?"
Lana smiled. "Today is Christmas, baby. Daddy and Uncle Sammy should be back soon."
Rose grinned and sang loudly, "Christmas is here everywhere, oh, Christmas is here, if you care, oh."
Lana sang along clearly while Rose jumbled the words. "If there is love in your heart and your mind, you will feel like Christmas all the time."
Rose yawned and cuddled closer to her mother who sang softly, "Oh, I feel you Christmas. I know I've found you. You never fade away, oh. The joy of Christmas stays here inside us. Fills each and every heart with love. Where are you Christmas? Fill your heart with love." She kissed the top of her dozing daughter's head. "Sleep well, my little angel."
