Ho, Ho, Ho

Cool, clear, and sunny – what a gorgeous walk! It seems like the whole neighborhood is playing outside today. That’s the weekend for you! Of course, lots of people are hanging Christmas lights or supervising the hanging thereof. And I’m about to do the same. Nothing too ambitious this year. I’ve helped Dad in the past, but I’ve never done it alone before. I’m definitely excited.

And definitely nervous.

Whoa. What? Is that…my dad’s truck in my driveway?

 As I get closer, my parents pop out, all smiles.

“Surprise, honey!” My mom hurries towards me, her arms outstretched.

“Mama! Hi!” I hug her back, confused, then turn towards my dad. He’s not a hugger. But his smile is warm and sweet, his blue eyes twinkling. Could I not have inherited his eyes? He pats me on the back when I stretch up to kiss his cheek. “Hi, Daddy.”

“You called me from the road? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

“We wanted to surprise you.” Mama winks. “And we didn’t want to give you the chance to say no.”

I wouldn’t have said no, even if I wanted to.

But yeah, it might have crossed my mind. I’m glad to see them, but…

Why are they here?

Then I see it, the back of the truck… Oh, no…

​“You’ve brought me furniture?”