Their First Christmas

Tony Covatta

3 hours ago

1 min read

Their first Christmas began at 3:30 that snowy afternoon.

Frances had taken her two girls to her ex’s for the day. After his tears and recriminations, she went home. “I’ll fetch the girls at six.”

Ray’s son and ex-wife were at his in-laws’. “I’ll pick Joey up day after tomorrow.”

In early, quiet dark Frances and Ray sat on her entryway steps. It was all very new. They opened small presents, shared the day’s desolations, compared their bruised, achy feelings. Laughter generated light. Their two hearts wordlessly unwrapped a precious gift. They knew they were not, would never be alone.

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