Page 18 of Prize for the Alien Grumpus

"Don't cry, Mommy. I love you."

I clutch her close, breathing in her innocent sweetness. My precious girl. The one pure thing in my mess of a life.

"I love you too, baby. So much."

Sam's words echo in my head. Lonely. Yes, that's exactly what I am. Not just the empty bed or quiet evenings, but the soul-deep ache of having no one to share life's little moments with. No one to laugh with over coffee. No one to hold me when the world feels too heavy.

And then there's Krampus. Seven feet of blue fur and attitude, eating roller skates and calling me "magnificent" while demolishing my living room. The way he looked at me, like I was something precious and fierce all at once. Not some sad single mom struggling to keep it together.

When was the last time anyone saw me that way? The dating app disasters, the awkward setup dinners with Karen from accounting's cousin - they all looked right through me. Or worse, pitied me.

But Krampus...

"Magnificent," he'd said, even as I was trying to bash his skull in with sporting equipment. The memory brings an unexpected warmth to my cheeks.

I tiptoe down the stairs, my heart still raw from Sam's words. The destruction I expect to find makes my steps falter, but when I round the corner into the kitchen, my jaw drops.

Everything sparkles. The granite countertops gleam like new, not a scratch in sight. The walls shine with fresh paint. Even the ancient linoleum floor looks pristine. But my microwave,toaster, and coffee maker are conspicuously absent. In their place sits a sleek silver box with pulsing blue lights.

"I know you said you didn't want a replicator." Krampus's deep voice makes me jump. "But I thought perhaps you might want to see one in action before deciding."

His massive blue form hunches over my kitchen counter as he taps the device's surface. The thing hums to life, its lights dancing across his fur.

"Computer. Earth-style hot cocoa with Alzhon chocolate molecules. Two servings."

A flash of light blinds me for a second. The front panel slides open with a soft hiss, revealing two steaming mugs. My nose catches the rich scent of chocolate, but different somehow - deeper, more complex. The mugs bear our names in elegant script: "Mel" and "Krampus."

He passes me my mug, his claws careful not to scratch the ceramic. The warmth seeps into my palms as I lift it to my lips.

The taste... oh god. Rich and velvety, with notes of caramel and something exotic I can't place. It puts every hot chocolate I've ever had to shame. My eyes flutter closed as I savor another sip.

The chocolate warms my insides, but a chill runs down my spine. Those creatures who attacked us - the Grolgath - they know where we live. My fingers tighten around the mug.

"What if they come back?"

Krampus lets out a rumbling laugh that vibrates through the kitchen.

"Already taken care of, magnificent one."

"What do you mean?" I ask, suddenly suspicious.

"I have Installed a state-of-the-art security system while you were upstairs. Any Grolgath who dare approach will be instantly annihilated by the death ray."

The mug nearly slips from my grip. "

You've been busy while I was upstairs." The words sink in. "Wait, did you say death ray?"

"Yes." His chest puffs out, horns gleaming in the kitchen light. "It will slay any who tread onto your property."

My mouth opens to respond, but distant singing catches my attention. The annual Christmas carolers. Mrs. Peterson always brings her church group around this time of year.

"Joy to the world..." The voices drift closer.

Oh no.

"The Lord has come..."

My heart stops. They're heading straight for our front walk.

---