The Librarians And the Advent List

December 6

Cassandra bounced over to him, wearing her coat and carrying a basket the next morning.

"So what's today?" he asked, glad he'd finished his coffee and not gotten into anything.

"Today is St. Nicholas Day!"

"So what we're going to Holland or Germany for a . . ."Stone looked at her basket. "Picnic? Not sure I know that tradition."

"No, silly! We're going to Germany to see Santa."

"Oh," realization dawned on Stone's face. "The real Santa. And I assume that's a gift for him?"

She beamed. "Yes!"

Stone grinned. He did like Santa and he wouldn't mind seeing the man again. "Alright then, I assume you know where he is."

"Yeah, Jenkins is quite friendly with him and his wife. Maybe a little too friendly," Cassandra twisted her mouth a little and then changed the subject. "Anyway, you'll need your coat."

They found Santa making the rounds of a children's hospital. He wasn't dressed as St. Nicholas, but was spreading cheer among the children along with another volunteer who actually was dressed as the saint. Stone chuckled at the joke and Santa looked over in their direction and winked at them.

They kept out of the way until Santa was done with his work and met up with him outside.

"Well, well Cassandra Cillian and Jacob Stone, Santa is pleased to see you again."

"We are too, Santa!" Cassandra said and then lowered her voice at Stone's warning look. "We brought you a gift from all of us."

"That's mighty nice of you, but Santa doesn't need gifts."

Stone smiled. "Make her Christmas Santa and accept it. She's kinda serious about this Christmas thing."

Santa chuckled and took the basket, taking a look inside. He smiled. "Ho, ho, ho. You've been talking to Jenkins. He knows what Santa likes. So Santa knows you're on a Christmas mission. Santa suggests you check out the Christmas market before you return. And a word Jacob Stone?"

"Yes, sir, of course." Stone snapped to attention and Cassandra wandered toward a window to get her bearings.

Stone looked worried but Santa's face was kind. "Santa knows this Christmas is difficult for you."

Stone nodded. "It is, sir."

"Your heart, Jacob Stone, it has always been closed. Santa knows why and understands. But this year, try opening it. You never know what you'll find if you do."

Then the man patted Jacob on the shoulder and vanished.

Cassandra was a little sad that she didn't get to say goodbye to Santa but she was cheered by the thought that she could always see him again. And by Jacob's agreement to go check out the market in the square.

As Stone watched his friend looking at some delicate glass ornaments, he thought about what Santa had said to him. He'd actually been determined to let Cassandra have another day or two and then call it quits. But maybe he could see it through to Christmas. It had been fun so far and Cassandra was always good company.

And he felt a spark of something grow in his chest. He remembered feeling it once before in his life, getting off an elevator into the world that changed his life. But he'd let that feeling die with an act of betrayal. Now suddenly staring at Cassandra holding up a star, it was back.

Hope.