(Christmas story)

Anna had always loved Christmas, but this year was different. She had lost her father in a car accident a few months ago, and her mother was struggling to make ends meet. They had moved to a small apartment in a rundown neighborhood, and girl had to change schools and leave her friends behind. She felt lonely and sad, and missed her dad terribly.

On Christmas Eve, Anna and her mother went to the local church for the midnight service. They sang carols and prayed, Anna felt a little bit of peace in her heart. After the service, they walked back to their apartment, holding hands and shivering in the cold. As they approached their building, Anna noticed a small box wrapped in red paper and tied with a gold ribbon on their doorstep. There was no tag or card, just the box.

“Look, mom, someone left us a present!” Anna exclaimed, picking up the box. “Who could it be?” her mother wondered, looking around. “Maybe it’s from Santa Claus,” Anna said, smiling. “Maybe,” her mother agreed, smiling back.

They went inside and placed the box under their tiny Christmas tree, which was decorated with a few ornaments and lights. The girl and her mother decided to open it in the morning, and went to bed. Anna was too excited to sleep. She lay awake in her bed, staring at the ceiling and wondering what was in the box. The girl imagined that it was a doll, a book, or a game. She wished it was something that would make her happy, something that would make her forget her troubles for a while. She got up and tiptoed to the living room, where the box was waiting for her. Anna reached for it, but stopped when she heard a faint sound coming from inside. It sounded like a heartbeat. Anna gasped and dropped the box. It fell to the floor and opened, revealing a small, furry creature. It had brown fur, big ears, and a long tail, looked like a cross between a rabbit and a cat. It blinked its green eyes and looked at Anna curiously.

“Hello,” it said in a soft voice. Anna was speechless. She stared at the creature, not sure if she was dreaming or not. “Who are you?” she finally asked. “I’m your gift,” the creature said. “I’m here to be your friend.” “My friend?” Anna repeated. “Yes, your friend. I can talk to you, and listen to you, and play with you, can make you laugh and comfort you when you’re sad. I can grant you one wish, anything you want. I’m here to make you happy.”

Anna felt a surge of emotion. She had a magical friend, a friend who could make her wish come true. She wondered what she should wish for.

The girl thought of her father, and how much she missed him. She thought of her mother, and how hard she worked. And thought of herself, and how lonely she felt.
She looked at the creature, and smiled. “I don’t need to wish for anything,” she said. “You’re the best gift I could ever have.” The creature smiled back, and nuzzled her hand. “Merry Christmas, Anna,” it said. “Merry Christmas, my friend,” Anna said, and hugged it.