Finally looking up to see me standing in the doorway, Mom came toward me.
“Fallon. Hey. You’re here?” When she got closer, she said, “I thought you asked for today off.”
“I did. I have something I need to tell you.” Be brave, I thought to myself.
“We’re so busy today. Can it wait until I get home?”
“Mom, please.” I reached out and lightly touched her upper arm. “I need to talk to you.”
“Honey, I really don’t have the time.”
“Right now. Please. It’s very important.”
She called out to her assistant. “I’ll be right back.”
He nodded and waved her away.
We went to the break room.
Mom reached out to embrace me. “I’m so glad you’re here. It’s busy today. I know it’s your day off, but can you put in a few hours after all?”
She was tall, with long hair like most elves. Hers was black and silken. Everyone in our family had that trait except me. My hair was brown, not black. And I had not had much luck growing it past my shoulders.
“No. I have something to tell you.” My throat went dry. I gestured to one of the soft couches by the fire. “Maybe you’ll want to sit down.”
She frowned. “Fallon. What? Tell me.” She remained standing.
I backed up, the edge of the couch touching the back of one knee. Maybe it was me who needed to sit. I took a deep breath.
“Fallon, what’s going on?”
“I—I got a new job.”
“What? I didn’t hear about anything like that. What do you mean?”
“It’s not here at the workshop.”
Her head tilted back. “I—I—don’t understand.”
“It’s because of my math skills. I got this job where I can use them.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. You don’t have your degree yet. That’s more of a hobby for you anyway.”
I took a deep, shaky breath. “I’m actually quite good. Even without a degree.”
Now she sat down hard as if all the strength had left her. “Fallon, you’re needed here. And you’re a good worker. Is that it? Do you think you aren’t valued enough here? Because you are. Maybe I don’t say it enough?—”
“Mom. Stop for a second. I know I’m adequate here. But not great. And I don’t expect you to tell me that. I’ve always wanted to work with my talent.”
She blinked like she always did when I talked too much or too fast. “You can’t leave. Santa needs all his workers. This season is busier than ever.”
“Santa also needs workers in other places. I’ll still be working for him.”
“What?” She looked confused, a deliberate habit she had when she wasn’t getting her way.
“I’ll be working for Santa,” I repeated. “It’s a position I’ve dreamed of. At Santa’s Sleigh.”
She blinked as if coming out of a dream. “You got a job at Santa’s Sleigh?”
