Christmas House

The man grabbed his two cans and turned toward the house, saying, "Well it's about time someone got some use out of her." He turned and headed toward his truck, yelling out, "Remember, it's going to snow again tonight. You should get to where you were headed soon." I called out, "Thank you," and waved him on. He started to head down the driveway, flashing his lights a couple of times. Alan got out of the car, saying, "That's it?" "Yes!" I told him. "C'mon, let's get into the house and gather everything together so we can get out of here." We entered the house. The girls had everything ready at the door to go in the car. Alan said, "Let's let the car heat up a little more. We're definitely going to need all of the blankets to stay extra warm." Alan and I started to take all of our bags and garbage out to the car. Lindsay and Paige started to shovel the ash and hot embers in the pail sitting with the fireplace. It took them at least three trips before the fireplace was cleared of debris. Alan and I came back into the house to do a quick walk-through, making sure nothing was lying around. The girls covered the two sofas we used while waiting for the tow truck and started to head out to the car. I came down from upstairs after quickly checking each room to see that things were okay. Alan was at the front door, ready to go, saying to me, "C'mon, I'm starving. Let's go already." I put the screen back in front of the fireplace. Reaching up underneath, I grabbed the hot handle so I could close the flue. After finishing with my muddling around the living room, I made my way to the front door. I had a feeling deep inside that I didn't want to leave. Then, hearing the horn from my car, I opened the door to leave. From behind me, in the still quiet of the house, I could swear I heard someone call out, "Sean." This sound I've heard so often. I never shared it with anyone for a long time. I closed the door, heading for the car so we could go have that hot breakfast. Opening the car door, I asked, Is everyone hungry?" They all shouted out, "Me,me, me! Close the door. It's cold!" Taking my seat in the car, I could see everyone was bundled up and ready to go. The car was warm and ready to go, and so were we. It was as warm as we were going to get. The ice that formed on the windows of the house had almost all slid off from the warmth of the fireplace. Looking into the house, I could see, through the covered mantle, the stocking with my name on it. I then put the car in reverse and backed down the driveway. Paige sadly said, "Good-bye, house. Thank you for keeping us warm." We all said a little good-bye. Jill waved and said, "Good-bye Christmas House." I had to say something to everyone. "I feel like I'm leaving part of me there." "Me too," Lindsay said. I reached the road and took a quick look, one last time, at the house. I think we all did. Alan spoke saying, "Breakfast, here we come." So I put it in gear, and on our way we were.