Snowflakes outside of the Window

Minnie stood silently by the orphanage window, watching the snow show off as it delicately glided through the air. A snowflake stuck and melted on the window pane before her nose. She traced the spot where it landed with her finger, but was unable to touch it, as it was on the outside of the window. She sighed, thinking there was something symbolic about this occurrence. There was something….or someone out there she was searching for but could not reach just like the forlorn snowflake.

Somehow the forlorn snowflake brought back memories of her dead parents. They had passed away two years ago when Minnie was sixteen. They were archeologists and were exploring caves in Spain across the sea. They were often away on such excavations, but this one would be the last. The cave was ancient- a true find. Overwhelmed with excitement, the archeologists had continued their exploration with no further ado. They had not even bothered to call their comrades until the cave began to crumble. They were found dead under a large rotting stalagmite. Minnie had cried for days, comforted by her older sister Norah and close friends, but the pain of loss would never leave. Like that rotting stalagmite had engulfed her parents, it covered her and became part of who she now was. Her friends and sister failed to find that same energetic, spunky girl they once knew, who was replaced by a bitter, somber silhouette. She just could not make peace with what had occurred.

Minnie wandered the rooms of the orphanage, barely listening to Mrs. Cornfield, the orphanage director. She was lost in her own thoughts. “Beep beep,” her cell phone sounded. She answered reluctantly. “Norah,” the phone read, and a picture of her smiling older sister beamed back at her. “What’s up?” she said.

“Not much,” Norah replied. “Just calling to wish you a Merry Christmas! I’m coming to visit you and bring presents soon.”

“How’s your jerk of a husband?” Minnie asked.

Minnie harbored an antipathy towards Greg, Norah’s husband. Greg had refused to let Minnie live with him and Norah, and their three-month old son Scott. According to Greg, they had enough on their plate as it was. While Norah had argued to keep Minnie, Greg had threatened to break up with her if she let Minnie stay in the house. These days, Greg and Minnie were not exactly on speaking terms.

“He’s fine.” Norah answered. The conversation soon ended.

Minnie, drawn by the merry noise coming from the meeting room, joined her friend Dan around the Christmas tree. Dan was a light-hearted, gregarious guy who believed it his duty to uplift the moods of those in despair. He had helped Minnie make it through two tough years.

“C’mon Minnie…join in. Don’t be so glum either. Christmas is a time of joy” Minnie reluctantly began singing carols with the other three to eighteen year olds who sat and stood cheerfully around the Christmas tree. Norah entered and joined in. As a fun twist, the orphan director suggested the group sing Mariah Carey’s, “All I Want Is You.” Minnie had long ago discovered that Dan had a crush on her, and simply smiled at him. Everyone sang together, joyfully:

“I don't want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing I need

I don't care about the presents

Underneath the Christmas tree

I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

All I want for Christmas

Is you…..”

While singing the song, Minnie became aware of the lively glint shining in everyone’s eyes. Christmas was truly a merry time of year to rejoice. She realized that although she missed her parents, she was so grateful for those she had: Dan, Norah and the others at the orphanage.

Dan, wrapping his arms around her, whispered in her ear, “All I want for Christmas is you baby.”

Slightly surprised, she embraced him.

The little kids noticed and giggled at the romance between the two unlikely lovers.

Later, after Norah had given her presents and left, Dan and Minnie stood by the window. Minnie talked about her parents for the first time and how much she missed them. “No matter what I do I can never be close to them again,” she confessed, looking at the snowflakes congregated on the opposite side of the window. He answered after a long pause, “They are closer than you think, Minnie. They are right in your heart.” He placed her hand on her heart. “And…I’ll always be there for you.”

“Merry Christmas Dan,” she said softly.

“Merry Christmas,” he answered.