Shattered Glass: Part 1

"This is so beautiful. I must have it!"

Exclaimed Sophie, while holding a gold heart shaped locket in her hands.

"Oh, that is nice. A little too nice. Try finding something within our budget, Sophie. Money doesn't grow on trees, you know?"

Said Alannah.

"I know, but one can dream, can't they?"

Said Sophie as she put the locket back.

"Oh, don't be disappointed. I'm sure one day a nice young man will buy you one just like."

"Mom! That's disgusting! I don't want no boy buying me jewelry"

"You say that now because you're only 9 years old, but someday you'll feel differently."

Said Alannah as she smiled at her husband Ştefan​.

She and Sophie walked out of the jewelry store, and to the toy store next to it.

Just then, Ştefan​ picked up the pricey locket, and paid for it.

"I'm sure your daughter will love this."

Said the cashier that had been watching them.

"At this price, she better worship me."

Said Ştefan​ jokingly. ​

When he was certain that no one was looking, he made his way back to his car, and hid his gift to Sophie.

He returned to the store where Sophie was talking to her 15 year old sister, Kristina.

"What are you asking Santa for, Kristina?"

Asked Sophie.

"I'm not asking him for anything this year."

"You still haven't decided what you want for Christmas, Kristina?"

Asked Alannah.

"I really don't want anything for Christmas, honestly. My birthday was just like week, and you bought me that sweater that I know was expensive, and I know how much you spent on Kristina's gift. Don't you remember how it was last Summer. How broke we were. You really can't afford gifts this year."

"No one your age should have to worry about money. If your father gets the promotion that we're hoping for, we won't have to worry about money ever again. It's only 3 days until Christmas. I really wish that you would tell me what you want. You're such a good daughter, you deserve that much."

"Well, I guess there is something that I want."

"What's that?"

"I would like it if you would allow me to spend Christmas at the cabin."

"You know that I would love to say yes because you never ask for anything, but your father has to work that day, and you're too young to stay there by yourself. It's too dangerous with all the wild animals around, and it's a full days drive. Maybe next year, alright?"

"I understand. Thanks anyway."

Kristina walked away just as Ştefan​ returned.

"Did you ever tell you what she wants?"

"Just to stay at the cabin over Christmas."

"What did you tell her?"

"I told her that you had to work just as you told me to."

"Good! I don't want her to know that I actually don't have to work that day, and we're headed up there tomorrow. She'll never believe it. I can't wait to see the expression on her face when she finds out."

The Dolińska's finished their Christmas shopping, and were on their way home.

Alannah turned the radio on, and Christmas music was playing.

"Come on everyone. Let's sing along"

Said Ştefan​ as Alannah and Sophie began singing "Jingle Bells"

"Kristina, don't you feel like singing?"

"It's just a stupid Christmas song."

"That's not the point. It's fun! You used to love Christmas time so much. What happened?"

"I grew up, and realized how stupid it all is. Everyone walks around buying gifts they can't afford, and acting like because it's Christmastime, the world has changed, and there's 'peace on earth' well there's not. People still die everyday. There are still murderers, there are still rapist, people still get sick. Nothing changes. Only everyone puts on a fake smile, and pretends that it has. It's a stupid holiday that I want no part of."

The was a moment of silence. No one knew what to say after that.

"Kristina, I wish you would tell me what's bothering you. You were fine one day, and a total stranger the next. Maybe I can help."

"Just leave me alone, please"

Alannah turned the radio off, and no one said anything after that. The silence was broken when a semi-truck slid on the black ice, and rammed head on into the ​Dolińska's.

(To Be Continued)​

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