Chapter 3

“Thank you,” Santa said. He tilted his head slightly, much like in the fashion of a dog. “Tell me, son, what has upset you? Where has your good cheer gone?”

Drew shrugged, not exactly feeling up to a heart to heart, even if it was with Santa, or at least a man dressed to look like him. “I guess I just can’t find it this year.”

“I know where it is.” Santa tapped him lightly on the chest in the general location of his heart. “It’s right where it has always been, right here in your heart. You just haven’t let it out.”

“Maybe.”

“Trust me, son.”

A car sloshed through the slush, weaving slightly as it went, the driver’s right to be behind the wheela questionable one.

“Have a good night and a Merry Christmas,” Drew said, shuffling off, wanting to resume his peaceful walk.

“And a Merry Christmas to you as well,” echoed Santa, his voice happy and light. “Remember, Drew, just because you think the spirit of Christmas has left you doesn’t mean it ever has.”