Finding Mrs. Claus Read online

  A girl spoke clearly. “You’ll only have a change of heart, if you’re ready to make a brand new start.”

  His brow wrinkled in confusion and he shook his head. Now I’m imagining things. Realizing how desperately he needed a vacation, he stormed out of the apartment, the compass forgotten in the fireplace.

  Kris unlocked the store and greeted his employees with a nod. He approached Sally Larson who was busy decorating boxes. He tapped her on the shoulder. The startled woman turned to him in surprise.

  “Yes, sir,” she spoke softly.

  “I want you to run the front of the store for the next few months. I will be in the back making toys. With Christmas coming, I need to spend more time completing some projects.”

  “But, sir, I have—”

  “If I hear any complaints from you, I’ll find someone else to do your job. Is that clear?” He saw the hurt in her eyes, but ignored it. Kris was used to being stern with his employees. He rationalized that if he wanted things done right, he would have to run his business with authority. Kris opened the backdoor and entered his workshop. A smile spread across his face. This is where he could let his creativity run wild. He sat down at his workbench and wondered how Mikey found such an extraordinary trinket.

  If only I could make something like that. It would be the hottest selling Christmas item and I would be rich. He picked up a wooden train and studied the colorful variations of the cars. Kris readied his paints and lifted the brush to finish the project. Making toys was satisfying work, but tedious. Deep down he wished he had more reliable helpers. Most people he interviewed were irresponsible and incapable of meeting his requirements. So Kris built the toys alone.

  Dipping his brush into a bright yellow paint, he moved it along the wooden surface. He was immersed in his work when a voice broke his concentration. Kris placed the brush down and glanced nervously around the room. “Is anyone in here?” When no response came, he dipped his brush again and continued his painting.

  Then a high-pitched voice spoke. “Several life changing events are coming your way, if you continue to ignore them, they will ruin your day.”

  Kris got up from his seat and peered under the bench. He slammed his fist down hard onto the table and walked briskly around the crammed room. He searched thoroughly for that annoying little voice. “If there is someone in here, come out now or you’ll be fired.” Still no one made their presence known. Kris had almost given up hope of finding anything, when he heard it close to his ear. He stopped dead in his tracks and listened.

  “If you don’t deliver the toys, there will be many sad girls and boys.”

  He lowered his gaze to his front pocket and reached inside. Clutched in his sweaty palm was the gold compass. Kris covered his mouth in fright. Why is this happening to me? He dropped the gold object and stared at it in horror.

  The voice spoke again. “If you continue to ignore, I’ll come knocking on your door.”

  Kris grabbed the object in anger and made his way to the back entrance. He swung open the door and shouted to Mervin, his employee, “Get over here immediately!”

  Mervin, a short bald man, stared up at him with apprehension. “Is there something wrong, boss?”

  “Take this compass and throw it into the trash outside. I want it as far away from this building as possible. Have I made myself clear?”

  Mervin saluted him. “You’ve made your point crystal clear, sir.”

  “Don’t just stand there, do it!”

  The man took the object and turned on his heel. He marched straight to the nearest exit and disappeared.

  Kris entered his workshop and leaned against the doorframe. The sweat trickled down his brow. He took a long, deep breath and told himself to get a grip. He approached his workbench and attempted to complete his project. Kris worked diligently for most of the morning when he heard another voice.

  “Something bad will happen outside your store, if you continue to ignore!”

  He threw down his brush and kicked the nearest paint can by his foot. Kris stood in rage and tossed toys and materials around the room. He reached into his breast pocket and found the annoying gold compass. Grabbing a mallet, he placed the trinket onto a table and smashed it down hard. The compass didn’t break from the impact. He went to his table saw and attempted to slice it with a sharp blade. When nothing happened, he fell down onto his hands and knees in anguish. Clutching his hair like a mad man, he shouted into the air, “What do you want with me?” At that moment, there was a knock at the entrance. “Who is it?” he yelled.

  The door opened a smidge and Mervin peered through the gap. “Are you okay, sir? I heard shouting and was wondering—”

  “Get out!” he replied. “I want all of you to take the day off. We’re closing shop.”

  “But, sir, this is our busy time of year…”

  “Don’t question my authority or you’ll be out of a job!”

  Mervin nodded and was about to leave.

  Kris stopped him. “Will you explain how this got into my shop?” He reached for the gold object. “I told you to throw it into the trash.”

  “I did, sir. I don’t know how it got back in here.”

  “If you don’t leave my sight immediately, I will fire you!”

  Mervin ducked out and the ringing of the front door sounded.

  Kris got up from the floor and took in the destroyed room. In his anger, he had ruined some of the toys he worked so hard to build. Feeling at his lowest, he departed the workshop and went to the front of the store. A closed sign hung on the door. Several holiday shoppers peered through the window. Kris waved them away with his hand. He couldn’t work or concentrate on a day like today. He sat on a stool behind the cash register and sighed.

  “I told you,” a small voice said. “Change is what’s needed, then everything can be completed.”

  Kris reached into his pocket and picked up the compass. It’s hopeless. The more I fight it, the worse things seem to get. He contemplated what to do with the wretched object when the sound of tires screeched to a halt on the street. Kris glanced up and his eyes widened. He got up and ran to the entrance. Unlocking the door, he took to the street. Kris knelt down in front of a small boy who lay crumpled on the ground. His bike was in a twisted heap.

  The driver of the automobile emerged in shock. “I didn’t see him!” he said. His voice quivered with emotion. “He came out of nowhere!”

  “Call an ambulance!” Kris ordered. He held the limp hand of the small boy. A lump caught in his throat. “Don’t die,” he pleaded.

  The child squeezed his hand.

  Kris felt a surge of hope. “Can you hear me?”

  A pair of bright blue eyes stared up at him. The boy squinted and managed to say a few words. “I wanted to buy a train set.”

  Kris thought he imagined it. “Did you say you wanted to buy a train set?”

  The child nodded. “From that store,” he pointed.

  “What’s your name?”

  “My name is Jimmy.” Moments later, his eyes closed.

  “Don’t die,” Kris urged. “If you live, I’ll give you a train set.” Even as he said these words, they sounded untrue to his own ears. He had never given anything to anyone. His whole life revolved around making money and hording his earnings. He held the hand of the small child until the ambulance arrived. Once he was whisked away to the nearest hospital, Kris stood dumbfounded in the middle of the street. He watched as the flashing red dome became a distant blur. He moved the bicycle off the road and set it against the store wall. He’ll never be able to ride this bike again. The tears welled up in his eyes. Kris wiped the wetness from his face and stared down at his fingertips. Why am I crying? I don’t even know this child. With that thought in mind, he retreated back to his private sanctuary and locked the door behind him.

  For the remainder of the day, Kris attempted to finish making some of the toys. As much as he tried to concentrate, his mind kept wandering to little Jimmy lying helpless on the st
reet. He picked up a completed train set off the store shelf and rubbed his chin in deep thought. He knew what he needed to do. Packaging it up, he left the store and took the bus to the nearby hospital. Once he arrived, he asked the kind nurse about a boy named Jimmy. “He had a bicycle accident,” he added.

  “Are you friend or family?”

  Kris blurted, “Friend.”

  The nurse led him down a bright hallway and stopped in front of a doorway. “He’s been sleeping for most of the afternoon. Jimmy might be awake now.” She peered through the window and smiled. “You can go in and see him if you’d like.”

  Kris admired the beauty of this woman. He had met many attractive ladies over the years, but never one that took his breath away. He nervously brushed past her and entered the room. He placed the large box at the side of the bed. The room was festively decorated with balloons and get-well cards.

  Jimmy peered up at him over his comic book.

  “What are you reading?”

  The boy held up a magazine. “My mom met a man on the street today who was selling these. She said he was dressed in a green outfit and looked funny.”

  “Someone in green?” he asked. “Did your mother say what he looked like?”

  Jimmy shrugged. “She said he was short.”

  Kris brushed aside the strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. There are lots of short men in the city who wear green. It’s a coincidence and nothing more.

  Jimmy brought him out of his reverie. “It’s a story about a lonely man who starts a new business.”

  “What kind of business?” he inquired.

  “He delivers toys to kids all over the world.”

  Kris gaped in wonder. “Let me see this.” He grabbed the comic and leafed quickly through it. He noticed a jolly man dressed in a red suit. “This isn’t real, Jimmy. It’s a fairytale.” His eyes widened when he saw the gold compass. “Can I keep this for awhile?”

  “But I’m not finished reading it,” Jimmy protested. “I want to know how it ends.”

  Kris pulled up a chair beside the bed. “If you give me your address, I promise to return it.”

  “Why are you interested in a comic book?”

  Kris glanced at the man on the cover. If he gained at least sixty pounds, he’d look just like him. “I’m doing research on this kind of story.”

  Jimmy seemed interested and wanted to know more. “Do you think something like this could really happen?”

  “You mean someone delivering toys around the world to the good children?”

  Jimmy nodded.

  “I’m not sure. Like I told you, I think this is some wild story.”

  “Take the comic book,” Jimmy finally said. “You might need it more than me.”

  Kris didn’t know what he referred to. He tucked the comic book into his jacket and studied the frail child. “You gave me quite a scare earlier. How are you feeling?” He noticed a white bandage on his forehead.

  Jimmy shrugged his shoulders. “I broke my leg and got a bad bump on my head. They want to keep me in the hospital for a few days.”

  “I brought you a present. It’s from my toy shop.”

  At the mention of this, Jimmy’s eyes lit up. “What is it?”

  Kris handed him the box and watched as Jimmy eagerly opened it.

  “Wow, a train set! It’s what I always wanted!” The little boy reached out and grabbed his hand. “Thank you!” A huge smile spread across his rosy cheeks.

  Kris felt embarrassed about the warm gesture. He had never given someone a gift out of generosity.

  The attractive nurse entered the room and noticed the train. “What a nice man,” she said. “I baked a plate of warm cookies. Help yourself.”

  Kris blushed even more. Their eyes met and he was at a loss for words. He stood awkwardly and patted Jimmy on the shoulder. “I hope you’re feeling better soon.”

  “Thank you for the gift!” Jimmy shouted. “I can’t wait to show my friends!”

  “Take care,” he replied. On his way out, he grabbed a cookie and nodded at the nurse. He left the room in a hurry and took a bite from the warm dessert. The chocolate chips melted in his mouth. He had never tasted something this good before. Kris quickly devoured the tasty treat and almost wished he had taken more. He walked down the hallway and let out a deep breath. A strange feeling suddenly enveloped him. When Jimmy received the gift with gratitude, it felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Kris brushed the sentiment aside. He walked a little further when a soft voice spoke from behind. He turned and stared at the attractive nurse.

  “That was a nice gesture,” she said. “Jimmy told me you run a toy shop. That’s where he was headed when the accident happened. You really brightened his day with your thoughtfulness.”

  Kris smiled. “It was nothing, really.”

  “Don’t say that. It really was something.” She stared, mesmerized by him.

  Kris wanted to break the contact, but for some reason he couldn’t. There was something about her presence that gave him a warm and tingly feeling inside. When he looked deep into her blue eyes, he saw a mysterious sparkle that glowed brightly. Is she for real?

  “Would you like to go out for dinner sometime?” she blurted.

  He stood rooted to the spot. His mind raced and he thought up a lie to cover his inadequacies. “I can’t. This time of the year is too busy for me. Maybe we can get together after Christmas? I’ll give you a call.” He turned on his heel and walked quickly away. Before he rounded the corner, he glanced back. The woman looked hurt.

  “You didn’t give me your name or number!” she shouted.

  “I’m sure I’ll see you around!”

  “I guess so!” she replied.

  Kris kept walking. He didn’t want to explain to this incredibly beautiful nurse, the numerous reasons why he didn’t want to get involved. He left the hospital with a heavy heart. Part of him wanted to march right back in there and give the woman an explanation, while another part of him thought it was pointless. You’ve dated before and it was nothing but a disaster. He tried to rationalize that it was the women he dated and it had nothing to do with him.

  As Kris waited for the bus, he pulled out the comic book and searched through the pages for a clue. In the dim street light, he saw something that shook him to his very core. In the beginning of the story, a thin man was seen in a restaurant holding the hand of a beautiful woman. He noticed as the story progressed, so did his weight gain. By the time he turned to the last page, the man rode off on his sleigh and wished everyone down below a merry Christmas. He read the last line and his eyes widened.

  Santa and Mrs. Claus curled up close to a warm fire.

  “You saved Christmas,” his wife said. She kissed his rosy red cheek.

  Santa placed his arm lovingly around her shoulder. He stared deeply into her blue eyes and replied, “The spirit of giving is what Christmas is all about. Next year I’ll do the same thing all over again.” He gave a hearty laugh. “But you know what, dear?”

  “What’s that, darling?”

  “It makes me happy inside and that’s what giving is all about.”

  Kris swallowed hard. “This can’t be,” he whispered. “But how does the magic in the suit come alive?” He scanned the pages and searched for an answer. When one couldn’t be found, he quickly read the story in hopes of finding the clue in the written word. Discouraged, he looked up and noticed the public transportation approach in the distance.

  The bus pulled up to the curb and the door opened. He stepped inside and found a seat at the far back. He shoved the magazine into his coat pocket and stared absently out the window. He thought about the bizarre events of the day and shook his head in wonder. What does this all mean? He wanted to ponder that question when a voice spoke.

  “If you open your eyes and look around, happiness can easily be found.”

  Kris felt around in his jacket and came up empty handed. He searched frantically through his shirt pocket an
d located the compass. He held the gold object close to his face and studied the mechanism. “Who are you?” he whispered. “And what do you want from me?” Kris held it close to his ear and waited for a reply. When he didn’t receive one, he shoved it back into his pocket and leaned grudgingly against his seat. He closed his eyes for a moment and drifted off.

  It was his first day of school and a young girl in his class asked if she could sit next to him at lunch. He pulled the chair close to the desk and replied, “This seat is taken!”

  The little girl stared at him with wide eyes. “But the seat is empty.”

  “I told you it’s taken, so move along.”

  The girl had tears in her eyes. She stomped her foot hard on the floor and sat somewhere else.

  It was his junior prom and an awkward young girl who was shy around boys, found the courage to ask him to the dance. He scrutinized her appearance and hastily turned her down. Even though he too was gangly and shy, he compared her to other, more attractive girls and thought he could do better. That evening at his prom, he sat alone on a bench. He regretted his decision and wished he would have said yes when the girl had asked him for a date.

  It was his first year of living in the city. He had established himself as a young businessman and had hired a few employees. He made a modest living and resided in a comfortable apartment. He had everything going for him except for one thing. He didn’t have the love or companionship of a woman. One year at a posh Christmas party, Kris met a woman whom he thought was attractive. They mingled throughout the evening, had a few drinks and shared a cab ride home. The woman had urged him to come up to her apartment for a cup of coffee. Deep down inside, he knew he really wanted to, but for some reason he felt compelled to say no. Even though he had enjoyed her company, he found fault with every woman who had ever shown the slightest interest. As he looked deep into her troubled eyes, he knew he could never be serious about her either. In his mind, finding the perfect woman was impossible. They all had a flaw and something he found hard to overlook. That night, the woman slammed the car door and stormed up to her apartment alone. He never saw her again.