Merry Deathmas

I wake up confused not to find Father here. 'It's Christmas. Where would he be?' My question is answered when I find a note on the kitchen counter.

Kid,
Hiya son! Merry Christmas! I'm
sorry I couldn't be there to tell
you in person (or in our case
shinigami) but I need to work
today. I'll be home as soon as I
can. Probably tomorrow. Again,
I am sorry and I'll make it up to
you.
-Dad

'I'll make it up to you.' Does he have any idea how many times he says that but never does?

'I'll make it up to you.' No. He's not going to make it up to me. Not now and not ever.

'I'll make it up to you.' Lies, lies.

Liz and Patty are visiting friends and family, leaving me alone this Christmas again. Seeing this all come together I curl up into a ball and cry. I let the tears fall.

I'm crying a river when the door creaks open. "Hey Kid, I was able to come hom- Kid? Are you crying?"

I wipe my tears, surprised to see him. "D-dad, you're here."
"Yes Kid, I'm here. I realized that I couldn't leave you alone on Christmas anymore." He picks me up and holds me.

I keep crying. This time not with tears of sadness and sorrow but with joy. 'Maybe I won't be alone on Christmas after all.'