This Christmas... / BMT Task
Block quotes are the past.
The Detroit mall is in full swing for the Christmas season, groups of teens checking stores for that just-right gift for their best friends. Men stand for extended lengths of time in front of glass display cases, searching for the perfect rock for that someone special.
And then, there's the line that extends itself back too far, multiple families packed in as they wait for their chance to edge forward. Excited children bounce on their feet, mouths moving at a million miles a minute. Parents become restless, but the joy of seeing their kids so excited is enough to give them the patience to stay in the line.
The DeWitt family hasn't been in line for long once it's their turn to step forward, and it takes a moment for them to move up.
Christmas has always been a stressful time of year. But this year... This year, things are different. I'm happy this year. I have someone to spend it with, and for once, things are coming together okay, and that's really amazing for me to be able to say, honestly. For once in a very long time, I'm looking forward to a holiday.
I don't want a lot this Christmas. I feel like that's ridiculously cliche of me, but I just don't. All I want this year is for things to work out in a positive favor. I want Elijah to have a good first Christmas. I want this to be a successful holiday for Kyle and I as a married couple. I want our families to enjoy the time together.
And honestly, if I wanted anything for myself, it would be for these voices inside my head to be quiet for just one day. I just want to enjoy things for one night.
Eight year old Kelsey is ready to shoot through the roof with excitement as her parents try to convince Daniel to follow her, but after they determine that it's not going to happen, the small girl is led up to the man in the red suit on her own.
The assistant picks her up and places her gently on the man's lap, and all at once, Kelsey's wide- brown eyes are full of light.
"Ho, ho, ho!" The man laughs, his voice rumbling deep. "Merry Christmas little girl! What can I bring you this year?"
The girl looks up then, eyes still wide. "I don't want anything for myself, but, you see my brother over there, right Santa?"
The man looks over to see Daniel hiding behind their mother's skirt, and he nods. "Yes, I do."
"What I want for Christmas is for someone to tell the other kids at school to stop being mean to him. He's nice to everyone. Mommy and Daddy won't let us be mean to anyone. Can you tell everyone to stop being mean, Santa, please?"
The man inn the suit looks away then, first looking at the assistant who looks a little shocked herself, and then back at Kelsey's parents before looking back down at her. With a gentle smile, the man nods.
"I think I could do that for you this year."










