Page 31 of Doctor Clause

Leeona released her grip, taking a look outside before closing the door. “I thought it was going to be a completely green Christmas.”

“That just goes to show you, life is full of surprises,” Stephen said, rubbing his hands together. “Can I take your coat?”

“Thanks,” Pina replied, handing it, with her hat and scarf tucked neatly in a sleeve, over. “Tommy! Come give your aunt a hug.”

The clinical trial had been a complete success. He’d been home for over six months without issue. The cancer was inremission, with no signs of returning. He was even enrolled in a regular school for the following fall.

Ding!

Leeona answered the door.

“Uncle Kyle!” Tommy exclaimed, jumping into the man’s arms.

“Pfft.” Pina glanced the other way. “I don’t even get a hi, let alone a hug... and I’ve always been his favourite aunt.”

“You’re his only aunt,” Leeona said.

Tommy motioned with one finger for her to bend down. His arms wrapped around her neck tightly. “I love you too.”

“I hope I’m not late,” Kent said, peeking around the crowd from the front porch.

“Not at all.” Stephen cleared the way, taking coats and ushering everyone into a bigger room. “Have a seat. You can introduce yourselves. I’ll get the holiday cheer.” By holiday cheer, he meant drinks. No one drove, and if anyone was going to be the designated driver, it was him.

“Sounds good,” Kent said, rubbing his hands together. “I’ll have...” The host was already gone without taking any orders. “Whatever.” He shrugged

A tray returned in Stephen’s hands. “Hot buttered rum, spiced eggnog, mulled wine? Take your pick.” He handed a glass to Tommy, after placing the others on a coffee table. “And a cherry Christmas mocktail for you.” He was having the same thing. “Cheers.” Their glasses clanked together.

“Can I open my gifts?” Tommy asked, bouncing up and down on the spot. “Please?”

“Of course you can,” Pina said. “Your favourite aunt says it’s okay.” She handed him a package. “I hope you like it.”

He made quick work of the wrapping, tossing it about as it shredded. “A robot! Cool.”

“It’s remote control,” Pina added.

“Did you remember the batteries?” Leeona asked.

“Yikes!” Pina chuckled nervously. “Well, it will be cool after I drop some of those off. Sorry.”

“Here, open this,” Kyle said. “I promise, you don’t need batteries.”

“Hmph!” Pina crossed her arms over her chest, obviously confused as to who Kyle was. The man wasn’t actually related to Stephen, after all, and their best kept secret.

“I wanted these!” Tommy held a box set of mystery books in the air. The spare room upstairs had become his own little library, with wall-to-wall shelves filled with novels, comics, and anything else readable. “Thank you, Uncle Kyle.”

Kyle patted the boy’s head. “No problem, kiddo.”

“Ahem,” Kent cleared his throat. “I also brought a gift,” he announced, holding out a plain red paper bag.

Tommy peeked inside without taking the gift. “What is it?”

“Memory games,” Kent replied, pulling out the box himself. “Each is a puzzle which needs to be solved. I have to warn you though, they aren’t easy. You start with number one and they get harder all the way up to ten.”

Tommy’s eyes filled with excitement. “Thanks.” This time he took the gift. “Can I try one now? Please, Mom?”

“Tomorrow,” she answered. “We still have to eat.”

Dinner came and went without drama or conflict, lasting about twice as long as a normal supper, after which she tucked Tommy into bed, reading his favourite bedtime story. He was fast asleep by the second page.

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