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“It’s a no, Christian. We need the money.”

Christian Scott sighed as he glanced down at his knapsack, knowing that its contents would never be delivered. Of course his father would never understand. Why had he even bothered to ask?

Earlier that day, on his way home from the general store, he had seen a hungry young child dressed in nothing but torn rags. He didn’t even want to contemplate how the child could have survived in such cold weather. Christian guessed they were on the brink of death.

“Father,” he pleaded, trying one last time, “It’s almost Christmas, and I believe that the children of town could use some gifts. We have more money than of them. In times like these, we should share it.” Christian’s father was Timothy Scott, a farmer, famous in their hometown of Nova Scotia for growing maple trees that produced the best maple syrup anyone had ever tasted.

“I said no. Have you fed Rudolph today?”

“Not yet. I’ll do that now.” Christian had a feeling that his father was kicking him in the house, although he didn’t care. He needed time alone with Rudolph, his pet deer which he had gotten for his birthday. No matter what the circumstances are, Rudolph was always happy to see him.

Christian swung open the front door, taking in the view. The ten-acre farm he lived in sported a fantastic view of the small town below. The sky was crystal white, and Christian had noticed there was a fresh blanket of snow on the ground. He began to make his way towards the pen where all the animals were kept. Thankfully, it wasn’t far, and Rudolph looked overjoyed to see him.

“Hello there,” said Christian, grinning as he tried to quiet the deer. “Would you like some food?”

Rudolph happily bobbed his head in agreement.

“There there,” said Christian calmly, getting a bucket of carrots from the nearby stable. Rudolph seemed surprised that he was getting such a treat.

“Well,” Christian explained, “my father wouldn’t let me use some of his money to buy gifts for some of the poorer children in our neighborhood. For the sake of Christmas, I would like to at least make someone’s day better. He finished with a smile.

With that, Rudolph grabbed the carrots from his owner’s hand, wolfing them down as If he hadn’t eaten in years.

“Hello.”

The voice startled Christian. He didn’t know there was anyone else behind him. He turned, viewing a girl with caramel curls and large, aqua green eyes, carrying a basket. He knew the girl; it was Jacqueline Hart, his neighbor and a friend who went to the same schoolhouse as him from first through eighth grade. Christian wondered what she was doing here.

Jacqueline must have seen his expression. “I need to buy some of your father’s delicious maple syrup. We just ran out, and my mother wants to make flapjacks tomorrow morning.”

“I could get you some,” said Christian, not wanting to return to his father.

“That would be perfect,” said Jacqueline with a smile.

“Follow me,” said Christian quietly. They walked for a few minutes in silence, through the beautiful snow-capped wonders of the farm. Christian had always thought his hometown was prettiest in the wintertime.

“Are you alright?” Jacqueline asked, noticing the slouched expression and quiet tone of her friend. Christian sighed, not wanting to reveal the argument he had had with this father

“I’m fine.”

Jacqueline rolled her eyes. “Christian,” she said quietly, “I’m not really here for maple syrup.” She yanked him by the shoulders and turned him around, giving him a seductive look. “I was actually wondering if you wanted to come with me to the Christmas play tomorrow night.” She winked. Christian found the offer hard to resist, even though he had already guessed what his father’s response would be.

“I’ll be sure to ask,” said Christian, an idea forming in his head. “So, I’ll see you later?”

“Yes,” said Jacqueline, smiling as she left.