A Claus For Love

The Letter

It was around ten in the morning when Beverly woke up, feeling simultaneously well-rested and frustrated that she'd leave her dream world, especially since her dreams were where she kept seeing and spending time with Bobby. After assuring herself that Bobby promised to see her again, she took off her blanket and smiled when she saw how full her stocking was, and she sighed as she got up before stretching and looking around.

She was used to waiting until her family was awake before emptying her stocking, but since she was living on her own now, she rushed to her stocking and picked it off the hook from her mantle before sitting by the fireplace and gently pouring out the contents. From small packages of her favorite candy to portable essentials like a strawberry-flavored lip balm and a set of hair ties, her stocking had every tiny thing she could ask for, and she made sure everything was stored in their proper places before bringing her bigger presents from the tree to the fireplace. After marveling as the larger gifts ranged from a new bicycle helmet to a stuffed giraffe she had on her wishlist since she went to the zoo as a toddler, as well as a few beloved books that she used to check out from the library and some new clothes, Beverly was amazed at how Bobby could have delivered everything to her house with the snap of a finger.

Once she had put away everything that she received, she sat in her recliner and started working on a meal plan for the day, complete with a small breakfast and having a humble dinner. That's when the music started playing her favorite Christmas song (Andy Williams' "Most Wonderful Time of the Year"), and since Beverly was unable to resist such a wonderful song, she sprung to her feet and started dancing around the living room. While she was twirling around and dancing to the songs on the radio, she noticed the snowglobe-topped jewelry box that Bobby left behind, which made her stop before she carefully picked it up and curiously looked at it. After carrying the jewelry box to her recliner and sitting in it, she marveled at the colorful scene that was inside the globe when she opened it, only to gasp when she saw a folded note inside with the words "To Beverly, from Bobby" written on it. With a smile growing across her face, Beverly unfolded the note before sighing happily as she read the letter.

"My Dearest Beverly,

Christmas Eve was supposed to be just another delivery, a quick dash through a snowy night, but fate decided to throw a curveball. Santa fell ill, and I - a humble helper - joined the other elves and helpers as they filled stockings and granted wishes around the world.

When I was done filling your stocking and making your presents appear under the tree,  I could have left, of course. After all, my job was done, the presents were delivered, and the night was young. But something held me back, something in your warm smile, in the way your eyes lit up when I gracefully entered through the chimney.

We spent the rest of the evening together, sharing some of your gluten-free cookies and warm glasses of apple cider, toasting each other to new experiences. We laughed, talked, and even danced under the mistletoe, our hearts beating in time to the Christmas songs.

Beverly, last night was magic. The magic of shared laughter, of whispered secrets, and of kisses that left me breathless. I know I work for the man with the bag of gifts, but you, my dear Beverly, are the most wonderful Christmas gift I could have asked for.

I long to see you again, to share more moments like that one, moments filled with joy and warmth. This isn't just a Christmas wish, Beverly, it's a promise.

Merry Christmas, my love. With all my heart, Bobby."

Beverly felt herself holding back tears at the heartfelt letter that Bobby left for her, and as memories of their encounter echoed in her mind, she sank into her recliner and held the letter close to her heart. While she felt her heart skipping several beats at the thought of Bobby, she also felt herself growing increasingly nostalgic and wished she could relive some of the magic from their meeting, but she was quick to remind herself that they would see each other soon before she started growing hopeful about Bobby's promise.