An extrasensory gift

- ... a taxidermist kit for Dr. Finkelstein, three doodads for those pests of Lock, Shock and Barrel, a new scarf for the mayor ... there seems to be everything. This year I really made some perfect gifts.- Jack gloats as he neatly arranges all the packages by the fireplace.

Since he discovered Christmas he has never given it up, starting the trend in the city.

He makes a final quick check, adds a bow to the most beautiful box, the one for Sally, and grabs the jacket to go out. As he puts on his sleeves, however, he gets the feeling of having forgotten something. Something important. Still, he can't understand what.

-Bye Zero, I'll be back later. Behave. - He greets while going down the stairs.

He skips the last two steps and exits, closing the door behind him. It's a matter of seconds before he slaps his bony fingers in the forehead.

-Zero! I didn't get his present! - he exclaims in shock.

Panic takes control of his mind. How could he forget his loyal friend?

He runs as fast as he can, towards the hinterland where he knows the Holiday Doors are. Once he reaches the glade he stops. He thought he wanted to go to Christmas Town, but there are so many other doors that could help him find what he is looking for.

Could Zero appreciate a leprechaun from the Town of St. Patrick's Day as a pet? Of course not. Too spiteful. And then who should clean it, feed it and take it out? Certainly, it would be Jack's turn. Perhaps, a colorful egg from Easter Land. He made up with the Rabbit after the kidnap, and surely he would have crafted a beautiful easter egg, decorated with fun shapes and bright colors for him.

-What nonsense I'm thinking. Zero's favorite colors are white and orange. I don't even know if he would recognize others, or if too cheerful colors could give him a headache.-

He scratches his increasingly confused and anguished skull, throwing the dark orbits from one door to another. He barely ajars that of Independence Day, but too much noise comes out! He thus tries to look out over the town of Valentine's Day, but an overwhelming wave of perfume makes him sneeze until he loses two ribs. Not even Thanksgiving convinces him: a nice turkey would tempt anyone, but Zero would only care about the bone instead of the juicy meat all around it.

-A doll. No, a toy car to chase. No, no. An airplane to launch! - he euphorically bursts. But its claws do not reach the golden knob, stopping a few centimeters earlier, suspended in the air. With a sad sigh Jack drops to his knees, hiding his face. -Who am I teasing? Zero could not touch those toys, he couldn't play with them. I am the worst friend. What can I ever give to someone who can't feel anything?-

-Isn't your love more than enough, if sincere? - asks a deep voice behind him.

-But it's not fair. Everyone will receive something to unwrap and keep over the years, while he will be watching.-

Jack replies, without paying attention to who is questioning him.

-Dear Jack, didn't you learn anything the last time? Christmas is not an excuse to exchange gifts; it is a special occasion to show one's affection for those dear to us.

-But Zero knows I love him. He knows it.- he murmurs unconsoled.

-And why can't you give him an extra caress? - asks the man who moved next to him in a sweet voice.

Finally Jack looks up, meeting that of a plump man with a potato nose and an exaggerated white bum.

-Santa Claws! - he shouts excited, jumping to his feet and shaking his hand. -You can help me! You will surely have a gift for my friend Zero.

Santa Claus laughs softly, before looking him in the eye and saying -Zero is alone at home abandoned by this morning. What he wants is not a package to unwrap.-

Jack thinks about it, and a giant O forms where there was once a mouth.

-I need to go to him, it's almost dark now, and he doesn't know where I am. I have to run Santa Claws.- and so does, through the woods towards the city.

He has not even reached the cemetery that a hand grabs the collar of his jacket and pulls him up, dragging him into the sky. It is Santa Claus who carries him on his sled and reindeers laughing out loud.

It takes only a few minutes to reach Jack's house, who is dropped right down the very narrow and crooked chimney. He does not spare any screams or swear words as he rolls and fits into that tight hole, covering itself with soot and frightening every creature that has taken up residence in there. He ends the descent by slamming his butt on the burning embers and rolling into the living room, scattering ashes everywhere. -My bad... Sally won't be happy.- he whispers looking at the mess he's made. Something flies on him, knocking him back on the ground. But it is not a vase, nor a pillow thrown by the rag doll. It is light, fresh and licks him. It is Zero, who elated in seeing him tries to clean off his face with his tongue, and rubs his lit nose on his chest.

-Oh Zero, I missed you so much. I needed you today. You always show me the right direction.- Jack laughs happily as he caresses his floating sheet. -I'm sorry my friend- he admits then, looking him in the eyes -I was so taken by ​​getting you a gift, that I forgot about you.-

Zero is not sure what is happening, but the sincere smile and affectionate caress that his friend gives him are enough to make him spend a happy Christmas.