— Grandma, what’s Christmas all about? — Annie asked, staring out the window at the swirling blizzard.
— Christmas is one of the brightest, kindest holidays. It’s a day when dreams come true, and miracles happen. If you make a wish on Christmas Eve, it’s sure to come true, — Clara Thompson replied.
— Really? — Annie’s eyes sparkled as she clapped her hands. — If I wish for Mommy and Daddy to come home, will that happen too?
Clara turned to the window, her shoulders hunching as she fought back tears that slipped down her cheeks anyway. She couldn’t bring herself to tell her five-year-old granddaughter that her parents would never return. No magician on earth or in heaven could grant Annie’s wish.
The poor woman found no peace, day or night. She knew she was getting old and wouldn’t be able to raise Annie much longer. Her situation felt hopeless. Clara was adamant about keeping Annie out of an orphanage, but she feared it was only a matter of time. With each passing day, she felt her strength quietly slipping away…
— Grandma, when’s Christmas Eve? — Annie pressed.
— Today, my darling, today… I’m baking pies, making kasha, and your favorite fruit drink, — Clara smiled.
— Yay! — Annie cheered. — Can I play outside for a bit?
— Sure. There’s knee-deep snow—perfect for building a snowman.
Annie quickly bundled up and ran outside. She played snowball fights with the neighbor boys, built a tiny snowman, and was about to head home when she remembered the Christmas Eve wish.
Climbing under a big, fluffy pine tree, Annie closed her eyes and whispered, “I want Mommy and Daddy to come back from their trip soon and bring me a big stuffed bunny.”
At the gate, Annie paused. It hit her why her parents were taking so long. It was simple. They used to live in the city, and only later did she and Grandma move to the village.
“Maybe they can’t find the turn to our house. Or worse, they got lost in the woods and can’t get out…” Annie thought, then bolted toward the forest.
Laura heard the hospital room door creak open and quickly shut her eyes, pretending to sleep. She didn’t want to see anyone, didn’t want more pity. Her whole life with Oliver had been built on pity. The young woman knew her husband couldn’t leave her in this state and stayed only out of duty.
— Laura, — Oliver called softly. — Are you asleep?
— Yes. Go away, — she snapped.
— Sweetheart, I know how hard this is. Losing our baby hurts me too…
— Don’t start! — Laura flared. — What do you know? Did you carry a child for five months? Feel it move? Feel a little life inside you? Did you go through that?
— Stop the hysterics, — he frowned. — You’ll get treatment, and we’ll try again…
— No. Four miscarriages in two years… I won’t try again. Another loss will drive me mad… Get out! — she shouted.
Oliver set a bag of mandarins on the nightstand and left silently. He couldn’t understand his beloved’s behavior. He wanted to share her pain, but she pushed him away. He’d tried to stay patient, ignore her moods, hoping she’d come around. But it seemed he’d hoped in vain. Today, she’d made it clear she openly despised him.
Laura cried her heart out, then got up and went to the window. She regretted snapping at Oliver. He wasn’t to blame…
— How’re you feeling? — her doctor, Dr. Natalie Peterson, entered.
— Dr. Peterson, I need to go home, — Laura said.
— Fine. We’ll check your tests Monday and discuss discharge.
— No, I need to go now… I’ll sign whatever you need.
— Your call, but I wouldn’t advise it. It’s freezing out there, a blizzard. You’ll catch a cold.
— I’ve got a car, — Laura pleaded.
— Alright. But be back here Monday morning, — the doctor relented.
Laura decided not to call Oliver—she wanted to surprise him. She’d stop by the supermarket, grab groceries, and head to their country house. They were staying there while their apartment was under renovation.
It was dark when she drove out of the city. She pictured Oliver’s joy. They’d make up and vow never to fight again…
Suddenly, something clunked under the front wheel, the car roared loudly, and stalled.
— Oh, come on! — Laura gasped. — Just what I needed.
She tried restarting the car, but after five attempts, she gave up. Grabbing her phone, Laura walked along the road, hoping for a signal.
Hearing a faint sob, she thought she’d imagined it. But a few steps later, she realized someone was crying near a pine tree.
— Hey! Who’s there? — she called.
— I’m here! — A tiny voice answered. Laura rushed down the embankment.
— Who are you? What’re you doing alone in the woods? Lost? — Laura asked quickly, scooping the girl into her arms.
— I’m cold… — the girl whimpered.
— Oh, God! — Laura prayed. — Hold on, sweetie. I’ll take you to my car.
The road was deserted. Laura was at a loss. She could handle herself, but what about the child? The car would soon turn freezing.
She settled the girl in the seat, wrapping her in a warm blanket. The child calmed down and started to warm up. Laura left her in the car and went to the road, hoping to flag down help.
Pacing frantically, Laura couldn’t focus. She didn’t know what to do with the foundling. The child needed warmth, fast.
Seeing headlights, she ran into the road, waving wildly.
— Are you crazy? Jumping in front of cars? What if I hadn’t seen you? — the driver fumed, stepping out.
— Help! My car broke down, and there’s a kid inside… — Laura blurted, as if scared he’d drive off.
— What kind of mother drives around with a kid at night? — he scolded.
— First, it’s evening. Second, I asked for help, not a lecture, — she shot back, offended.
— Fine, get in quick, — he said impatiently, glancing at his watch.
Laura grabbed the child, her purse, and climbed into the warm car of the less-than-polite man.
— Where to?
— Where? I don’t even know… — Laura faltered, looking at the sleeping girl.
— You messing with me? I’m late! — he snapped.
— Please, to the thirty-fifth kilometer, — Laura recovered. — Drop us at the village entrance. I’ll walk from there.
The man gave her a suspicious look and drove off silently. Twenty minutes later, they reached the village.
— Thank you so much! It’s terrifying to be stuck in the woods, in the cold, with a child, — Laura said gratefully.
Only then did she realize she should’ve called the police about the girl. Her parents must be frantic. Though, who knew what kind of parents left a child in the woods…
Seeing light in the windows, Laura smiled. Of course, her dear husband was home, probably moping in front of the TV with a plate of dumplings. She knocked, cradling the child. “Oliver’s gonna be shocked,” she thought.
Oddly, no one answered. She set the sleeping girl in a porch chair, fished out her keys, and opened the door. Loud music from the living room surprised her even more.
Heading straight to the bedroom to lay the child down, Laura eased her aching arms. After settling the girl, she tiptoed to the living room.
Then she froze, thinking it was a nightmare… Oliver was dancing with a glamorous woman, oblivious to everything. On the table, candles Laura had bought for New Year’s glowed, and ruby wine sparkled in glasses…
— What’s going on here? — Laura rasped, her breath catching, temples pounding.
— Laura?! — Oliver’s eyes widened. — What’re you doing here?
— Good question… — she smirked. — You’re right. I don’t belong here.
She left the room, covered her face, and sobbed desperately. She’d expected a lot from Oliver, but not such blatant betrayal. She never thought he’d stoop to bringing a mistress home.
— Laura! It’s not what you think! Tanya’s our intern. She’s got housing issues, so I offered her a few days here. I couldn’t leave her on the street, — Oliver babbled, sounding ridiculous.
— I get it, — Laura smiled. — Stay here as long as you need. I won’t interfere.
— Where’re you going? Don’t do anything stupid! — he squealed, chasing her to the bedroom.
Only then did he see the sleeping girl on the bed and froze.
— What’s this? I get it… You ran from the hospital and stole a kid… Laura, you’ve lost it…
— Bravo! You’d make a great detective! — she clapped sarcastically. — Go back to your guest. Let me leave in peace, — she said wearily.
Laura called a taxi and gently woke the child.
— Where am I? — the girl asked, scared.
— What’s your name? Do you know your address? — Laura asked, knowing the child needed to be returned to her family.
— Annie. I don’t know the address. I live with Grandma in Andrew Village, — the girl explained.
— Okay. We’ll head to the city now, and first thing tomorrow, I’ll take you to the village. We’ll find your family.
— Who’re you? — Annie asked suddenly. — Are you my mom? We used to live in the city with Mom and Dad, but I was too little to remember what they look like…
Laura silently hugged the girl, feeling the warmth of her tiny body, and cried again.
— Don’t cry, — Annie patted her head. — You’re a grown-up, and grown-ups can’t cry. Though my grandma cries sometimes. She thinks I’m asleep and don’t see, but I see everything…
— Let’s go. The taxi’s probably here. I wish I could call your grandma. She must be worried sick…
Laura and Annie got into the taxi. Laura felt awful. It hurt to know the closest person had betrayed her at her lowest… Holding Annie, she dozed off. She vowed never to forgive Oliver. She’d accepted she might never have a full family.
At her apartment, Laura found chaos from the two-month renovation. Mentally cursing the crew for not even sweeping, she grabbed a broom and cloth, quickly tidying one room.
— Who lives here? — Annie asked, surprised.
— It’s my place, — Laura explained. — Workers are renovating… Annie, are you hungry?
— Yes, — the girl admitted.
— Can you stay alone for a bit? I’ll run to the store nearby.
— Okay, — Annie agreed.
Half an hour later, Laura fed her “guest” a tasty dinner and tucked her in. Before bed, Annie opened up, telling how she’d gone to the woods to find her parents and got lost as darkness fell.
Laura guessed Annie had no one but her grandma, who was likely hiding the truth about her parents. She resolved to take Annie home first thing in the morning. Her grandma must be frantic.
Early morning, Laura heard the front door. Hearing multiple footsteps, laughter, and chatter, she panicked, then relaxed, realizing it was probably the workers.
— Good morning! — she said sleepily, stepping into the hall. — You? — She gaped, seeing the rude driver from yesterday. — What’re you doing here?
— Well, I’m here to work… You’re the owner, I take it? — he grinned.
— Work? In a suit? — Laura frowned.
— What’s it matter what I’m wearing? — he smirked. — I’m the foreman, checking progress. I don’t get why you’re here. The owner said the place would be empty. I dropped you at the village yesterday… Can’t sit still?
— None of your business! — she huffed. — I’m the owner, and I decide…
— Fine by me. Name’s Connor, by the way, — he introduced himself.
— Please wait till I leave with the kid. No noise or dust, — Laura requested. — I’ll be back tonight. The car… I totally forgot about it… — she gasped.
— You left it on the road? — Connor asked. — That’s risky…
— I forgot, — she admitted. — I need to get Annie home… They must’ve been searching all night.
— So, not your kid? You took her, and I helped you get away? — Connor raised an eyebrow.
— Sort of… I didn’t kidnap her—I saved her. I found Annie near where my car broke down…
— Never a dull moment with you, — he said seriously. — Alright, since you’re the boss, I’ll help. Get ready, we’ll take the kid home, then call a tow for your car.
Laura didn’t refuse and started packing. An hour later, she and Annie were in Connor’s car, heading to Annie’s grandma’s village.
— Your grandma’s gonna give us an earful, — Laura said. — I should’ve brought you back yesterday.
— My grandma’s nice. She doesn’t yell. I wish you were my mom… — Annie said sadly.
— Don’t be sad, sweetie. Your parents will come back, — Laura teared up, hugging her.
Annie pointed out the way, and soon the car stopped at her gate. The girl jumped out and ran to the yard, Laura following.
— It’s locked… — Annie said, surprised. — Grandma’s not home.
— Not home? — Laura didn’t know what to do. — Let’s try the neighbors. They might know where she is.
The neighbor, a gruff woman in her forties, barely glanced at Annie, eyeing Laura’s coat instead.
— Last night, an ambulance took the old lady. She was looking for this one till her heart gave out, — the woman nodded at Annie.
— How could this happen? What now? — Laura panicked. — Can Annie stay with you? I found her yesterday but couldn’t bring her back right away.
— No way! — the woman scoffed. — I’ve got four of my own. You think I want them tearing my house apart? Annie’s too spoiled, doesn’t listen.
— Which hospital? — Laura asked coldly.
— How should I know? — the woman shrugged. — Somewhere in the city.
— Do you at least know her name? — Laura was losing patience.
— Yeah, — the woman muttered.
Laura jotted down the details, took Annie’s hand, and headed to the car.
— I’m good, — Annie whispered, gripping Laura’s hand.
— I know, — Laura smiled. — Don’t worry, we’ll find your grandma.
On the way to the city, Laura called information. Clara Thompson was at the regional hospital. Laura asked Connor to drop them off there.
— I’ll wait, — Connor said.
— Thanks! — Laura replied.
She confirmed Clara’s ward and if Annie could visit. Finding the right department, she opened the door.
— Grandma! — Annie shouted, running to the tearful old woman by the window.
— Annie! — Clara gasped. — How’d you get here?
— Hello, — Laura stepped in. — I’ll explain…
She recounted yesterday’s events, including the neighbor’s refusal to help.
— Thank you, Laura! — Clara said, touched. — I nearly lost my mind…
— I’m sorry I couldn’t bring Annie yesterday. She was scared and fell asleep once she warmed up.
— You wouldn’t have found me… I ran out to look for her, and my heart acted up, — Clara explained. — What do we do? I’ve got no one to leave her with, and the doctor won’t discharge me. I begged to go home all morning…
— Focus on getting better. I’ll look after Annie. It’s no trouble, — Laura reassured.
— Thank you! — Clara teared up. — It’s terrifying when there’s no one to trust with your child. That’s what scared me most… I didn’t even call the police, afraid they’d take her.
— Recover, and we’ll visit tomorrow, — Laura promised.
Connor waited by the car. Seeing Laura and Annie, he rushed over.
— Found her? — he asked.
— Yes, but there’s no one to watch Annie. It’s just her and her grandma.
— Guess the renovation’s on hold? You’ll stay at the apartment?
— For now, Annie’s with me.
— Let’s go. I’ll call off the crew, then deal with your car.
— Thanks, Connor. We’ve been a hassle… — Laura said.
— No big deal. Sometimes you drop everything to help out, — he winked. — It’s Christmas, a time for miracles. Can’t leave you in trouble…
— What’re you doing tonight? — Connor grinned, pulling up to Laura’s building.
— Asking me on a date? — Laura laughed. — Thanks, but no…
— Who said date? I’m inviting you and Annie sledding, — he said cheerfully.
— Well, in that case, we’re in. Right, Annie? — Laura asked.
— Yay! — Annie cheered.
— One problem—no sled, — Laura noted.
— Easy fix! — Connor winked. — See you tonight!
He drove off, and Laura watched him go. He didn’t seem like the rude guy from yesterday anymore. Polite, reserved, he helped with actions, not words.
Remembering it was Christmas, Laura decided to hit the store. She wasn’t alone—she needed to make a festive dinner. Suddenly, she thought of Oliver and frowned. She still couldn’t believe he’d betrayed her so easily. He hadn’t followed her or even called…
Laura realized that around Annie, she’d forgotten her own troubles. This girl brought a ray of sunshine, coloring her gray days with vibrant hues.
— Aunt Laura! Someone’s at the door! — Annie called, running into the kitchen.
— Maybe Connor’s back? — Laura guessed, hurrying to the hall.
It was Connor, holding a big stuffed bunny in one hand and a cake in the other.
— Ready? — he asked, smiling.
— Almost. Come in, — Laura blushed for some reason. — Is that for Annie? — She nodded at the bunny.
— Yup. And this is for you! — He handed her the cake.
— Thanks. Want to join us for dinner? It’s almost ready, — she offered.
— Gladly. But first, let’s work up an appetite. I got awesome sleds, — he said proudly.
— Connor, you’re like a kid, — Laura laughed.
Annie came out, saw the bunny she’d dreamed of, and bounced with joy.
— Connor, are you my dad? — she asked, hugging the toy.
Connor blinked, unsure how to respond. He didn’t want to disappoint her on this magical night. He knew what it was like to grow up without parents, standing by the window as a kid, hoping they’d walk through the door. His dream never came true…
— Get dressed, Annie, — Laura said, saving the moment.
That evening, Laura forgot her sorrows. She forgot Oliver’s betrayal, her recent loss. She was happy and wanted to share it with everyone.
Connor and Annie zoomed down the snowy hill again. Annie squealed with delight, kissing Connor repeatedly. She was grateful for this holiday and could only express it this way.
Laura stood with a mug of hot mulled wine, watching fondly. They looked like a happy family. No one would guess all three were lonely and broken.
— Laura, Connor, maybe you’re my parents? — Annie asked hopefully.
— How about a sleigh ride with Santa, then home? — Connor suggested, avoiding her gaze.
— Yay! — Annie giggled.
— I’m in! — Laura smiled.
An hour later, Connor’s car stopped at Laura’s building. All three wished the magical evening would never end. With nightfall, Christmas magic would fade.
— Connor, we insist you join us for dinner, — Laura smiled.
— And I insist we drop the formalities and use first names.
— Deal. About time, — she laughed.
She didn’t see the surprise waiting—Oliver, watching silently, fists clenched in anger.
— What’s this? You’re fooling around with the foreman? — he spat.
— What’re you doing here? Get out! — Laura shouted.
— There it is… Sorry, buddy, but you’re just a pawn in my dear wife’s revenge, — Oliver said calmly.
— I should go… — Connor muttered, heading to his car.
His glance at Laura held pain and longing. He couldn’t fathom why she’d used him so cruelly…
— Connor, wait! — Laura called. — Don’t leave. It’s not what you think. This man means nothing to me. He’s lying—I’m not out for revenge. He’s not worth it…
— Connor, come with us, — Annie pleaded sincerely.
Connor stood by the car, torn. His heart didn’t want to leave, but his mind said otherwise. He knew Laura had a family, and he had no right to meddle. Getting in, he sped off.
— Why’d you show up? — Laura snapped. — Get lost and stay out of my life. I’m filing for divorce tomorrow. We’re done. You’ve got two days to clear out of my country house…
Grabbing Annie, Laura hurried inside. She knew why Oliver was back. She’d expected it. He had nothing to his name. He lived in her apartment, acted like he owned her parents’ gift of a country house.
Laura owned a big salon, while Oliver was a driver for a businessman’s family. Only now did he realize he’d lost everything—especially his cushy life…
— Laura, will Connor come back? — Annie asked sadly.
Laura wanted to cry at the unfairness but couldn’t in front of the child.
— I don’t know, sweetie. Let’s set the table and celebrate Christmas. We don’t need anyone else, — she said, holding back tears.
The doorbell rang insistently—once, twice, three times… Laura guessed only Oliver would dare. Furious, she stormed to the door. To her surprise, it was Connor…
— Not too late? Or did you start without me? — he smiled sheepishly.
— No! We’re waiting for you! — Annie clapped, cutting Laura off.
Laura and Connor talked all night in the kitchen, quietly so as not to wake Annie. It was a night of confessions, when two lonely souls met and finally opened up.
— Laura, I might be rushing, but I need to be honest… I want to spend my life with you. When I saw you by the road, in the woods, I felt you were my kindred spirit, — Connor said earnestly.
— Really? — Laura smiled. — From the way you snapped at me, I wouldn’t have guessed…
— I envied your husband then. I thought, such a beautiful woman, rushing to her loved one with a child… No one was waiting for me, no one rushing to me…
Morning came, and Laura took Annie to see Clara at the hospital. Clara looked better but still frail. She thanked Laura endlessly for watching her granddaughter.
— Clara, I have a personal question, — Laura said softly, ensuring Annie didn’t hear. The girl stood on a stool, watching big snowflakes drift down. — Where are Annie’s parents?
— Gone, — Clara wept. — Buried two years ago… I can’t tell her the truth. I lie, say they’re working far away.
— I figured… And no other family?
— None… That’s the worst part. I fought hard for custody, but I know it’s temporary, — Clara said sadly.
— It’s not the time, but please consider… I want to adopt Annie. I likely can’t have kids, and I’ve grown so attached these past days. I dread her leaving. Sometimes I forget, and she feels like my daughter… Don’t worry, she’ll always be your granddaughter. We’ll stay close, and if you want, live with us. I’d love that. My parents are far, and my grandma’s long gone. You need support too.
Clara wiped tears silently, unsure what to say.
— Thank you, dear… I’ll think about it, — she whispered. — These things aren’t decided lightly.
— Daddy, when’re Mommy and little brother coming? — Annie asked, gazing out the window.
— Sweetie, give Daddy a break! — Clara laughed. — You’ve been at him all morning. Come help with the pies. It’s Christmas Eve—we’ll make a wish.
— I don’t need wishes, — Annie shrugged. — Last Christmas Eve, they all came true. I found Mommy and Daddy, and Mommy gave us a little brother. What more could I want?
— You’re right, darling, — Connor smiled. — We’ve got a happy family, everything we need. Let’s just wish kindness for everyone…
Clara wiped tears by the stove. She’d never dreamed she’d gain a family in her twilight years. Laura and Connor adored Annie, treated Clara with respect, and surrounded her with love. Perhaps for their kindness, fate blessed them with a son. Annie was right—their wishes had all come true…
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