Christmas Wishes (Sue Thomas FBEye)

Intro

"Has he announced it yet, then?" the newcomer asked eagerly as she jostled her way through the crowd.

"No, not yet," someone whispered and was shushed by his neighbour.

"Shhh. He's reaching into the bag..."

A collective gasp circled the room as every elf strained forward to eagerly hear what Santa was going to announce. This ceremony had become the highlight of their Yuletide season. Held on December 1st it represented the true meaning of Christmas; a chance to reconnect with one of their special clients whom they had lost to adulthood.

Each year, Santa reached into his sorting sack of grown-up names and drew out the name of someone who needed a special dose of Christmas magic this year. The magic saw to it that they all remembered the child now grown; every visit, every gift, the triumphs and the tears. It was always exciting to see the dear child in adulthood, though often disappointing.

"Has he pulled it out yet? I can't see!" complained a young elf at her elbow.

"Here, let me give you a leg up," the newcomer said kindly. "He's just pulling out the name now."

They all watched as Santa looked at the gilt edged parchment. He nodded his head, smiling in remembrance and then looked out into the crowd.

"This is going to be a very special Christmas indeed," Santa told them, holding up the card for everyone to see.

The words magically sailed off the page and grew into a shimmering neon-lit billboard flashing a name they all knew and loved. Their minds were flooded with memories, both happy and sad and they waited eagerly for Santa's next announcement.

"Dewberry, I think. Yes Dewberry, I think you're the best match."

"Oh my goodness, that's me!" the newcomer squealed excitedly, toppling the young elf she was holding onto the ground. "Sorry. Excuse me. Let me through please. That's my name Santa just called."

Dewberry made her way to the front of the hall and stood bashfully next to Santa. She was still a terribly young elf for this kind of honour.

Santa squeezed her shoulder warmly. "You'll do just fine," he told her, passing the parchment into her hands. "Remember, your assignment is to make our Special Client's Christmas wishes come true."

Dewberry reverently held the parchment. The magic worked its way into the eager little elf revealing the agent's deepest secrets. Images and emotions deeply filled her mind. She didn't have it easy, thought Dewberry. So much struggle, so much pain... yet so much love to share.

The elf searched for the special wish but strangely the only one she could see could never be fulfilled.

"I have faith in you, Dewberry," Santa told her.

She wished she did too as she toddled away, scratching her head with her chubby fingers.