Page 2 of Evan

Evan's expression softens as he kneels to meet her eye level. "Of course, Leena. Let's see if we can find the perfect one."

As they walk hand-in-hand towards the rows of trees, I’m encouraged by the change in Evan's demeanor. With the child's innocent request, he seems more relaxed, more engaged. Perhaps the key to unlocking his heart lies in the simple joys of childhood.

I meander through the farm, taking in the sights and sounds of families choosing their perfect trees. Laughter rings out across the hills, mixing with the gentle rustling of evergreen boughs in the breeze. Despite the chill in the air, warmth blooms in my chest. There's just something magical about Christmas on Earth.

As the day wears on, I keep an eye on Evan, observing his interactions with customers. He's unfailingly polite and helpful, but there's a stiffness to his movements, a distance in his eyes. It's as if he's going through the motions, disconnected from the surrounding joy.

When the last family drives away, Evan slumps against the barn wall, his shoulders sagging. I approach him cautiously, offering a thermos of hot cocoa. "You look like you could use a pick-me-up."

He accepts the thermos with a grateful nod. "Thanks, Betty. It's been a long day."

"I can imagine. Running a place like this must be exhausting, especially during the busy season."

Evan takes a sip of the cocoa, his brow furrowing. "It's not just the work. It's... I don't know. Sometimes I feel like I'm stuck, you know? Like there's more out there, waiting for me."

I nod, understanding dawning. "And the farm feels like an anchor holding you back."

"Exactly." He sighs, his breath clouding in the chilly air. "I know it sounds selfish. The farm is my family's legacy. I should be grateful for what I have." Concern casts a shadow across his features. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to unload on you.”

I place a gentle hand on his arm. "Evan, it’s fine, and it's not selfish to want more from life. But maybe, just maybe, there's joy and purpose to be found right here, too. You just need to look at it with fresh eyes."

He meets my gaze, a flicker of hope in his blue eyes. "You think so?"

"I know so. And I have a feeling that the magic of Christmas might just help you see things differently."

Evan chuckles, shaking his head. "I guess I could use a little holiday magic right about now."

"Couldn't we all?" I wink, handing him a candy cane from my pocket. "Don't lose heart, Evan. The beauty of life has a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it."

With that, I bid him goodnight and head back towards the road, my mind spinning with ideas. Helping Evan rediscover the joy in his life won't be easy, but I'm more determined than ever to succeed.

I focus on my heavenly home as Henry's words echo in my mind: "Follow your intuition, Betty. Trust in the power of compassion."

I take a deep breath, feeling the celestial energy coursing through me, and find myself back in heaven. Tomorrow, I'll return to Benton Falls with a plan. I'll find a way to connect with Evan, to show him the beauty and purpose that surrounds him.

For now, I'll let the warmth of the little girl's laughter and the twinkle of Christmas lights guide my dreams, reminding me of the Christmas spirit I'm here to protect.

Two

EVAN

Ipush through the door of Violet's Diner; the bell jingling above my head. It's late, and I'm dead on my feet after another long day at the Christmas tree farm. The warm air and the smell of fresh apple pie wrap around me like a hug, and my stomach rumbles.

Sliding into my usual booth, the red vinyl squeaking under me. Molly, the pretty waitress with the chestnut hair and the kind eyes, comes over with a pot of coffee. I've seen her around, heard she’s a single mom, but we've never really talked beyond me placing my order.

"Hey there, Evan," she says, filling up my mug. "The usual tonight?"

I nod, stifling a yawn. "Yeah, thanks, Molly. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans. You're a lifesaver."

She laughs, and it's a nice sound. "Just doing my job. Be back in a jiff with your food."

As she walks away, I can't resist watching her go. There's something about Molly, something warm and real that makes me feel less alone. But I shake off the thought. She's got enough on her plate without me mooning over her like some love-struck teenager.

I'm just about to take a sip of my coffee when a little boy with sandy hair and big, curious eyes comes barreling out of the back room. "Mom!" he yells, running up to Molly. "Guess what? I got an A on my spelling test."

Molly's face lights up, and she crouches down to give the kid a big hug. "That's amazing, Chad. I'm so proud of you."

Chad grins, bouncing on his toes. "Can we get ice cream to celebrate?"

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