Chapter 2: Chapter 2

“Yes, Mom.” Garth sighed.

“Huh?” Adam looked up at him in surprise.

“Sorry, son, just talking to myself.”

Adam gave him a you’re crazy look, before returning his attention to the crowds, the flashing lights and… “Santa!”

Putting on a smile, not easy with aching feet and arms that felt like they were being pulled out of their sockets, Garth agreed to join the long line of eager children and harassed parents waiting to speak to the fat guy in the red suit.

As they waited, Garth had to admire the way the mall had organized things. One elf seemed to be in charge of keeping the line in order, entertaining the kids by making funny faces and cracking jokes. A second elf led each child-parent group up to see Santa when it was their turn. A third elf encouraged the group to say “Reindeer” as he took a picture of the family, their child perched on Santa’s knee.