Santa and other secrets

We all came clutching a gift. Three weeks earlier a folded note had been left on my desk. I’d missed the draw but was still given a name: Kristen B. The first gifts were to be opened before the ones from our families, still sitting in apartments waiting for video chats on Christmas morning.

Two bottles of house red, the six of us sat crossed legged and picked who drew first in the most obvious way. Just like our students at school we each stuck out a fist, shook twice, and saw whose rock beat whose scissors.

For Kristen one a sleeping mask for the imminent flight home. For Ashley forks and a Mrs Claus cooking apron. For Kristen two cute socks and a toque to stay warm. For me a navy circle scarf. One last wrapped box to rip open and a new true blue friend. On the piggy bank belly, the words: Happy dog! What makes you happy?

And I thought to self: this.