SHIELD Agent Rhapsodos: A Part That Remains

:: Christmas ::

Unlike the previous holidays Genesis encountered and experienced on Earth, the Christmas holiday took the top spot in when it came with celebrating where he lived. Not only the hospice, his own school, his foster home were preparing for it, but it seemed the whole city, country, and most parts of the world was in the mood for cheer.

It was a common sight to see people preparing decorations, such as Christmas trees, colored lights, wreaths, holly, mistletoe, and nativity scenes. Genesis had caught on that Christmas was celebrated by people who followed certain religions, yet there were also people who celebrated it because it was a national holiday.

There were also plenty of customs that had to do with Christmas too, which included gift giving, exchanging Christmas cards, and making festive foods to singing carols on the streets.

Genesis was glad he took the initiative to do some shopping earlier; at some places, people who did some late Christmas shopping were standing in what looked like long lines entering a store.

On Christmas day, it was just Genesis and Robert at the hospice. Hazel and Genesis along with Robert had swapped their presents the previous day, before Hazel took a holiday with her family out of the state for her larger family get together with her own grandparents, uncles, and aunts. They all promised to only to open their presents during Christmas day.

From Genesis, Robert was surprised he had gotten a tin of homemade baked Choco chip, ginger, and chocolate cookies. Not only were they homemade, but they were shaped into Christmas themed shapes and even some of them had icing decorations that looked like the CIA logo. When Robert took a bite, it tasted like what his wife's homemade cooking had been like. He turned to Genesis for answers.

"How...How did you know?" the old man asked. He was trying not to tear up; it felt like his deceased wife was there beside him.

Genesis shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "I– uh, sort of 'interrogated' Dr. Wright for a few things about you. But I didn't really know what else to get you—since you're here—so I thought something homemade was better." Genesis was referring very lightly on the old man's time left. He then quickly amended, "I made the same for Hazel too, but what she likes. A foster kid doesn't really have a lot of pocket-money, and the recipes I learned back in Gaia from my best friend's mother. She was a magnificent cook that every food she made would make you feel right at home."

"She must have been quite a mother to you," was the old man's opinion as he nibbled another bite, savoring its taste. "It's good. It's like Julie had made them."

"Was she your wife?"

Robert nodded silently. "It's the memory that counts when you give Christmas presents. Thank you, Genesis. It's the best present I've received in a long time."

He the then hugged Genesis before he then took out his and Hazel's presents and gave them to Genesis.

"Go on, open them." Robert ushered the teen.

From what Genesis guessed from the texture of his presents he felt through the wrapping paper, it had to be pocket-sized books. Genesis really wouldn't have it any other way. He first opened Robert's gift and it was a book with the title: 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu.

Genesis gaped. "This is..."

"I thought it'd be the best present for you. Your love for strategy and tactics is probably the most passionate I've seen in my life. What better present to give if not one of the best and famous definitive works of military strategy on Earth." Robert elaborated giving a wink with grin on his face.

The teen was giddily smirking as he flipped the pages. "I could learn a lot from this. Thank you, Robert. This is an amazing first Christmas gift I've ever received."

"You still got one more present," the old man pointed.

The next gift he received was also a book, but it had the title 'The Way of Peace' instead. "How did you both get opposite titles?" Genesis asked curiously.

Robert shrugged. "We both went shopping together to find you a present. She said that you could use some peace in your life and since it's about the martial art 'Aikido' which translates to the title of the book, she thought you'd like it."

"I love it; I've been curious about the philosophy behind it, but I've never thought to pick up or try the martial art itself," Genesis chuckled happily of what he can learn about it from the book. "I'll phone her after lunch and say thanks directly."

He also inwardly promised himself he'd keep both presents as his first cherished treasures.