Santa's Bag

Character A shows up without warning at Character B's home to deliver a present knowing that Character B has no one to celebrate with.

The dusty windows, through which not a single ray of December sun filtered through, reminded Mr. Julian of how lonely he was. But, nevertheless, he didn't want to get rid of these layers of dirt on the glass, because this gentleman just didn't like light at all.. as in principle all other bright colors. Mr. Julian, by himself, was a secretive and taciturn man. Neighbors sometimes for a joke call him "centuries-old exhibit" for his way of putting on a suit with bow tie and hat every time he goes out (even if he just went to the grocery store!). It's not every day that you can meet a person with such "old-fashioned" habits and manners in our time. The gentleman was about forty - fifty (no one knew his exact age). With sharp features and blue eyes, that may seem cold and indifferent to a stranger, but who knows the real nature of Mr. Julian, his eyes look with understanding and enthusiasm. But it has been a long time since there was a person whom this man could trust. This year, he finally decided that he'd celebrate Christmas alone. But Christmas in the company of fate in an ironic mood, were clearly against it. *** Holding a hot mug of coffee in both hands, Mr. Julian enjoyed its tickling warmth. He lived in a private house and could quite afford to light a fireplace, which was located right in his living room. But every time he caught fire with this idea, he remembered how much work he would have to put in to achieve this goal, and soon this desire faded away. And this thing happened with many others ideas, for example, decorate the house a little for the upcoming holiday, or clear the yard of snow, or, finally, wash the windows and fix the light bulb in the pantry. Mr. Julian called his condition a midlife crisis, and his colleagues from work preferred to call this phenomenon "lazy ass". Mr. Julian wasn't offended by this, but inside he knew what it really was - he just had no one to worry about. And so, sitting in his old, but beloved armchair, he wondered whether he should cook something, or just buy a cake at the store. And he should have decided faster, because it was already evening, and the holiday should begin like.. tonight. The man raised his eyebrows in surprise, glancing at the calendar, hanging near the fireplace. I got the dates mixed up.. - He thought with such feigned indifference that if anyone could hear his thoughts now, they would immediately understand that the man cares. Sighing wearily, he was about to sleep through the whole holiday, when suddenly the doorbell rang. For Mr. Julian it was the most unusual and unexpected sound in recent times. He didn't communicate closely with anyone, and there were no relatives who could visit him and live nearby either. And yet, he was filled with curiosity, so he still bothered to get up, go into the hallway and open the door. On the threshold stood a girl of about thirteen, with long, almost waist-length, light brown hair. She looked slightly childish, embarrassed, and smiling at him amiably, she greeted: - Hello, Mr. Julian. At that moment, a boy, much smaller than the girl but with similar facial features, peeked out from behind her. It was easy to guess that they were brother and sister. Mr. Julian said a confused hello in return and was about to ask what he could do for them, when suddenly he noticed Christmas horns on the boy's head, and the girl was wearing a red-and-green sweater with a Christmas tree, from under a slightly unbuttoned jacket. .. they're caroling.. Oh - he sighed, slightly surprised. - Are you here for the candy? - he tried to ask it with as polite and friendly an intonation as possible. - Why is everything so gloomy? - the boy suddenly exclaimed. The girl shushed him quietly. - That's rude, Easton. - No, he's right, tho - Mr. Julian confirmed abruptly, even to himself. - But why? - there was a note of sadness in the girl's voice. - Why so gloomy? - he looked back- Uh.. - the man thought about how to answer that question more correctly, and while he did, his brother and sister glanced at each other a couple of times. - Mr. Julian, if you don't mind, we're going to step back for a moment. - the girl turned to me, surprisingly, with a smile, after a moment of silence. - Yeah, we'll be quick! - Easten picked up on it. The boy ran, grabbing his sister's hand and they were both out of sight in a few seconds. Mr. Julian shouted after them about the candy they'd forgotten, but they didn't come back for it. Feeling like a total asshole for scaring the kids, he closed the door and sat back in his chair. *** But he didn't have to sit for long. After less than half an hour the doorbell rang again. When Mr. Julian opened it, he saw the same boy and girl again, only this time they didn't come alone. - Hello, neighbor! - a middle-aged man in a New Year's hat and carrying a bag, greeted him cheerfully. Mr. Julian knew him. His name is Luca and he lives around the corner. They sometimes met at the grocery store and exchanged brief small talk. Mr. Julian liked him for his constant spark of positivity in eyes. And, apparently, this spark was passed on to his children. - Did they whisper to me that someone scored on Christmas? - Luca asked slyly, but also some sadness flashed across his face. - Why?.. I mean- - Relax, man. - he patted Mr. Julian on the shoulder - I understand, but it still looks very sad and.. after all, are you really going to celebrate such a magical holiday alone and even without a Christmas tree? - puzzled, Mr. Julian nodded curtly - Are you kidding me?! The children echoed dad's words and soon stared at him with a question. - Okay, so what do you suggest I do? - gentleman said with ill-concealed irritation. - The start of the holiday is in a couple of hours, I won't have time for anything.. - .. If you were alone - the girl winked. - But I am.. - the man got the idea that they had been trying to convey to him - Oh my lord, are you serious? Are you going to help me with this stuff?.. But- - No buts, my friend. It's just a crime to leave a person alone, and even celebrate Christmas in such.. non-Christmas atmosphere, you know. - Oh.. I.. huh.. It's so unexpected and pleasant, thank you! .. It turns out that Christmas miracles do happen.. - he thought with a smile. The children squealed joyfully. *** Luca, saying that he needed to buy up, left. And the children stayed with Mr. Julian to help clean up. Immediately they volunteered to wipe the dust and the man finally gathered the courage to wash the windows. Spraying a special agent on the glass and then wiping it with a cloth, it seemed to erase not only the dust, but also those layers of darkness, emptiness and loneliness that accumulated inside all the time. He thought with a touch of irony that sometimes a person's small actions soon have a big impact on him, and then he was surprised how true this thought was. - That's nice - he muttered at the sight of clean, shiny windows, after he was done with them. - Good job, Mr. Julian! - Easten praised him. - Thanks, buddy - the man gently ruffled his hair. *** - Are you sure that it still works? - asked Ella, Easten's sister. Mr. Julian decided to clarify her name, otherwise it would still be ugly if he didn't know. - Yes!.. - he examined the pile of firewood he had taken from the pantry and the piece of paper inside the pile.- .. I mean, I think so. - You.. think so? - the boy asked again. Mr. Julian struck a match and nodded. - Exactly - he held the match closer to the paper - Ready? - Yeah! The man threw it inside, to the paper, and it was set on fire, illuminating everything with a bright flame. The firewood began to burn slowly, but for some reason, the smoke was dumped into the house, and not into the chimney. - The traction is bad. - Julian muttered - Let's go open the windows quickly. The children overtook him and opened them, allowing fresh air to enter and smoke to leave. - Fine. Soon it will get better and the craving will become normal. - man smiled. There was a knock on the door. - Hi guys! - Luka entered, peeking out from under the Christmas tree, which he was was dragging in front of him. - Holly cow! - Julian cheers. - Hooray! - there were joyful exclamations from kids. - I don't even know how to thank you, - Mr. Julian was touched. - If you let us celebrate Christmas with you.. It will be the best gift. - Ella said and then look at her dad. Luca grinned in agreement. Julian froze in shock. - You.. Really? Do you want to stay and celebrate with me? But isn't it uncomfortable for you? - It's not a problem at all, man. if one more person is added to our Christmas celebration, we'll all be very happy. Then, if anything, we can come to our house. How do you like this idea? - Luca answered. His eyes radiated joy and pleasure. .. Well, how can I refuse?.. - Of course! To me.. I really like this idea. Thank you.. how many times a day. - he laughed - Wow, that's fantastic. - the man felt that his eyes were wet and didn't resist it in any way.- You made my day and, most likely, my subsequent stay the best it has ever been. And you managed to do it in just a couple of hours.. You are the real super heroes! - Mr. Julian smiled softly, wiping away a tear. - And thank you very much, Mr. Julian. - said Easten. - And why should I? - the man asked in surprise. - For allowing us to make you happy.