getting a tree
"No. Too small. Too fat. Too short."
"She gets it from you." Evan muttered. Zoe groaned as she leaned on the stroller.
This was the second Christmas tree farm the Hansen's had been to. They had been at this particular tree farm for over 35 minutes, and Mallory was being incredibly picky.
"Sweetheart, why don't we just pick an average tree and make it look pretty by decorating it?" Zoe asked gently.
"No. Do you want our tree to look good or to look like garbage?" Mallory snapped. Zoe felt tears in her eyes and grabbed Evan's hand.
"When did she get so mean?" Zoe whimpered.
"It's okay baby, she's just being particular." Evan soothed.
"Mal, let's pick one soon okay? Everyone is getting cold and your mother shouldn't be on her feet much longer." Evan warned. Mallory looked at her father.
"Nana and Papa and Grandma are gonna think the tree sucks and I don't want our family to be embarrassed." Mallory snapped.
"What about this one sweetie?" Zoe asked in a shaky voice.
"Mom, that tree is basically my height. Embarrassing." Mallory pointed out. Zoe looked at the tree and shook her head.
"No, this one Mal." Zoe pointed to the tree beside it.
Beside Zoe stood a beautiful, full, 8 foot pine. Mallory looked at the tree closely, inspecting the branches and the height.
"This is our tree. This one." Mallory declared. Zoe sighed in relief and Evan kissed her before scooping Mallory up.
"Next year, we're not doing this." Zoe decided.
"Not getting a tree?" Mallory asked in shock.
"No, we'll get a tree. We just won't go to 2 different Christmas tree farms." Zoe decided.
"Fiiiiiine."
