Snowflake

A conversation with Santa regarding a solemn subject.

Snowflake

          "Ho ho--what's brought you to my workshop, little one?"

          "Santa... I need something. My brother... he's gone."

          "I'm so sorry, dear. Tell me his name."

          "Noah. He... he fell. The car... it didn't stop."

          "Noah was brave, Lily. He loved Christmas more than anyone I know."

          "I don't want to remember him... I just want him back. Please."

          "I wish I could wave a wand and bring him home, but magic works a little differently."

          "What do you mean?"

          "Up in the clouds, there's a place called Heaven, and the angels are preparing for the biggest night of the year."

          "Heaven?"

          "Yes. Noah is there now, helping the angels string starlight ribbons and polish the silver bells."

          "Is... is he happy?"

          "He's bright-eyed, laughing with the angels, and he told them he'd watch over you, especially when the snow falls."

          "Then why can't he come down?"

          "The way the world works, dear, souls don't cross back once they've taken a new journey. But love doesn't have to stay apart."

          "How?"

          "Every time you hear a carol, feel the warmth of a candle, or see the twinkle of a star, that's Noah's whisper. He's in every smile you share."

          "I don't want to pretend he's okay when I'm not."

          "Pretending isn't what I mean. It's remembering. He'd want you to feel joy, not grief, especially on Christmas."

          "What would he want me to do?"

          "He'd ask you to hang his favorite red scarf on the tree, to place his tiny sneaker next to the presents, to let his spirit decorate the night with love."

          "I can... I can do that."

          "And I have a small gift for you. A snowflake charm, crafted from the same frost that kisses the clouds where Noah works."

          "It's... it's beautiful."

          "Hold it, and when you feel the cold, remember he's there, sliding down the sky, making sure each reindeer's hoof is light."

          "Will he... will he see me?"

          "He sees you in every shining eye of a child, every hug you receive, and every laugh that bubbles up. He's proud, Lily, and he loves you more than any sleighbell's ring."

          "I think... I think I can try to be happy, for him."

          "That's the best gift you could give him, and the brightest one you can give yourself."

          "Thank you, Santa."

          "You're welcome, sweet girl. Now, let's make this Christmas the brightest it's ever been--together with Noah watching from the stars."

          "I'll tell him I love him, every day."

          "And he'll hear you, louder than any snowstorm. Ho ho--Merry Christmas, little one."

Word Count: 430
December Prompt: A conversation with Santa.