Finally, curiosity got the best of me.I’d never received one of these bags before, but I knew that when the post office lost a letter and finally found it, this was how they sent it.Upon closer inspection I noticed that dirt coated the bag, making it look as though someone had dragged it through a mud puddle.How long had this been lost, I wondered.
“What on earth is it?”I wondered aloud to myself, grabbing my craft scissors and cutting the top of the bag open.I carried it into the living room and emptied the contents onto my lap.A faded green envelope sat on my lap, and while I tried to make out whose name was on the envelope, it proved to be difficult.It too was dirty, and aside from the “Min” that was written on the front, the entire last name had rubbed off, along with most of the address.
I shook my head and carefully opened the torn envelope, pulling at the contents inside.It was a card, and when I flipped it over, a Santa Claus in pink camouflage stared back at me.
I frowned as I opened the card to see handwriting I’d have known anywhere but hadn’t seen in years.I swallowed hard as I glanced at the date on the card: Christmas 2015.This couldn’t be possible; it had taken ten years to get to me…
I frowned as I read the words written inside, then tears flooded my eyes and began rolling down my cheeks.Ten years later, I’d finally gotten a response from the letter I’d sent him all those years ago.My stomach flipped and then sank as I read the words, and I immediately knew the answer to why I’d never heard from him.
Noah had asked me to marry him, and I’d never responded.
Noah
“Thanks so much for everything, Clay.You as well, Iris,” I said, holding my hand out.“You really did help me feel back at home.”
“No problem, Noah.We were happy to have you stay with us, and if the house isn’t ready yet, know that your room is still available for a couple more nights,” Iris added.
I’d been staying at the bed-and-breakfast since I’d returned to town, but today I’d finally gotten the keys to my new place.
“Well, it’s nice to know I have a place should I need it.”I smiled as I placed my bag in my truck.
“Of course, anytime, and if you need any help to get things from the storage area, just let me know.Iris can always take care of things here with my mother for a couple of days,” Clay said, placing his arm around her and pulling her into him.
I’d forgotten what a close-knit community Willow Valley was, and it was almost surreal being back here after all these years.The last time I’d been here was to bury my mother; the next was to put my father in the old-age home where he was now living.Dementia had set in only nine months ago, and when I went out to visit him last week, he no longer knew who I was.
“Thanks, I might just take you up on that,” I said, holding my hand out toward Clay.
We shook hands, then I hugged Iris before climbing into my truck.Starting the engine, I backed out of the driveway, waved goodbye, and headed toward the small grocery store.
Twenty minutes later, I wandered through the aisles that hadn’t really changed since before I’d left.I loaded some things into my cart and then made my way to the cashier.
Placing the items I’d picked up on the belt, I waited my turn while the cashier dealt with a woman ahead of me.As I waited, I noticed a flyer from the community center; they were looking for help for the holidays.
“Can you tell me what the Holiday Elves are about?”I asked the cashier, pointing at the card.
“Oh, sure can.I volunteer there on my days off.It’s a charity that helps aid young children in the community.They are mostly children of military families whose parent or parents are on active duty.It gives them a place to go, to be with other kids in the same situation, so they don’t feel so alone.From now until after Christmas, we have game days, and we do special lunches on the weekends for the kids, as well as Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner.It’s a fantastic program, and it’s rewarding.”
“Sounds like it would be something that I might be interested in helping with,” I said, taking a picture of the flyer with the information.
“You’re new to the area?I’ve not seen you around here before.”
I chuckled.“Yes, sort of.I grew up here, so not really new to the area.I’ve been staying over at the bed-and-breakfast but finally got the keys to my new place today.”
“Oh, well, in that case, welcome back.What do you do for work?”the young girl asked.
“Thanks.I spent most of my younger years serving in the military, but now I’m a counselor who specializes in working with vets and children.”
I looked back down at the paper and read it over again.This was how small towns worked, everyone was always curious about the new person.
“Well, if you are seriously looking for something to do, the holiday elves are a wonderful way to give back.They also add to the program at Christmas.The entire community does a fundraiser for the less fortunate in the community, and I’ve heard through the grapevine, which is rather small in this town, that this year we are focusing on the young girl who lost her parents in an ambush during a peacekeeping mission last year.She was only eleven at the time, and an only child.She has been staying with the woman who runs the community center but will be sent to foster care soon.”
I nodded, realizing that I was one of the lucky ones who made it out when I knew many people didn’t.Hell, one of my best friends was one of the unfortunate ones and had gotten killed right in front of me.
“You think it might be something you are interested in?I know the organizer personally and would be happy to introduce you.They have also announced they were looking for a counselor just recently.I’m sure they’d be happy to speak with you.”
I thought for a moment.I didn’t really have permanent employment at the moment and had no clue what sort of opportunities there might be out here.The only postings I’d seen had been in surrounding areas, nothing right in Willow Valley.
“I could even give you Ethan’s number.He is another retired military man who helps at the center.”
