Monica Wilfred-Sullivan and her husband, Chay, live in a posh mini-mansion on the outskirts of Atlanta. They have no children, but adore their cherished tan and black Norfolk terrier named Toto (after Monica’s favorite movie the Wizard of Oz). Chay is a corporate executive for a major department store, while Monica is a hospital administrator. Time is often spent in offices or at home on conference calls in front of the computer. Quality time for the couple is a quick bit to eat at breakfast and a kiss before they hit the sheets at night. The routine has gone on for so many years that Monica has forgotten when it began. When the holidays roll around, it’s just like any ordinary day. This year, Monica wants something different for Christmas. She is still hyped about her reunion with her family at Thanksgiving and wants to carry that spirit through til….well she just didn’t want it to end. And why should it?
Sitting at her desk at work, Monica gazed out of her office window. The sky looked an eery gray – like rain. She reached into her desk to make sure there’s an umbrella. There was. Monica’s always prepared for the worse. This day’s no different. She rose, but continued to look out of the window. As she looked down, she saw a beat up tan Volvo stationwagon speed up to the emergency entrance. The driver door opened with a frantic man trying to exit, but it appeared that he’s struggling to get loose from his seatbelt. The passenger door opened, and a right leg emerged. Then the left. The occupant was also having a hard time getting out. By this time, the male driver was on the passenger side trying to help. With success, Monica could now see that it’s a pregnant woman. A part of her felt excited for the couple and the birth of a new baby. The other part felt envious.
Continue reading “This Christmas”
First up is Hawaii. As a child, I saw visions of a tropical paradise on shows like Fantasy Island, Magnum P.I., The Jeffersons, and even Sanford & Son. Through the screen, I could feel the warmth of the sun, see the beauty of the blue skies and colorful flowers, and feel the sand between my toes. And although I was too young, I wanted to try those umbrella drinks in the coconuts. Yum!!!
Melanie V. Logan 