Christmas Gift

Christmas Gift
Little Frenk was moving continuously over an unending sheet of snow. He had been walking for quite some time now and his feet were tired as well. He was surrounded by a white spread of snow which was gleaming and shining. Frenk had set out for a mission in search of a snow clad mountain where according to his friend Jimy, was the abode of Santa. And after toiling for some time, he could see the mountain which he had eagerly awaited to find. He could not believe his eyes but as advised by Jimy, he proceeded to the back side of the mountain, where he anticipated meeting Santa.  What he saw with his own eyes was beyond his belief. Santa was standing next to his sled, clad in his red robe, white beard flowing like snowflakes. He was engrossed in carefully arranging his gifts in his sled.  A large red bag was also kept in the sled. In between, Santa was also caressing his reindeer. Frenk shouted with excitement, “Santa!”  Santa’s attention was hijacked by his words. He stopped and stared at Frenk. Santa was surprised to find a boy so young standing before him. He went close to Frenk and said, “Why have you taken so much trouble in coming this far? Anyway, I would have visited you tonight on Christmas.”

“Oh, I was thinking I could get a gift of my choice. The journey was therefore unavoidable,” innocent Frenk replied while examining the heap of gifts.

“Oh you are such a wonderful boy. I am sure you deserve a gift of your liking.” Santa laughed. Santa then turned and pointed a finger towards his sled, “You can choose what you like.”

“Nothing in here is of my interest,” Frenk responded while looking at Santa’s face.

“Oh . . . then what?!” Santa glanced at him with utter surprise.

“I want this mountain of snow so that I can create as many snowmen as I want,” Frenk answered.

“But how will I bring it to you? It is not possible to move mountains. I hope you know that,” Santa was a little irritated now.

“No . . . no . . . I don’t know anything. All I want is this mountain,” and Frenk started stamping the ground with his feet. Santa knew that he had a trouble in hand and he had to get rid of that fast. “OK . . . I will ensure that tomorrow this mountain stands bang against your door,”

"Oh! wow . . . that will be fantastic!” Frenk hugged Santa.

“Now, if you will be a little generous, I can reach my home without bothering my aching feet anymore,” Frenk urged Santa.

“Definitely. Now, close your eyes . . . ”

Frenk closed his eyes immediately and covered them with his palm and when he opened his eyes again, he was in his bedroom. He found Jimy sitting next to him.

“So, what did Santa say, young explorer? Are you getting your snow mountain or . . . ?" he asked Frenk.

“Yes. Santa has promised to fulfill my wish,” and Jimy embraced Frenk tightly.

Both of them spent the entire night discussing their plans about the various size and features of snowmen. In between the discussions, Frenk peeped out the window. He was impatient like never before.  And some time around midnight, their sleep got the better of their plans. The next morning, with the first ray of sun, Frenk ran to open the door and was rendered speechless by the sight before his eyes. He pulled Jimy out of bed and dragged him to the door half asleep. A huge silvery white mountain of snow was standing magnificently in the middle of the lawn. In their excitement, Jimy and Frenk hugged each other repeatedly. They slowly approached the white blanket of snow and touched it. They moved their hand over the snow and found a thin stream of water slowly making its way down in a zig zag path from the top.

Jimy shouted, “This Mountain is melting! Oh what should we do now? I think the sunlight falling over it is turning snow into water.” Jimy continued.

Frenk said to Jimy, “We must call for help.”

Jimy rushed back to his home to fetch some help while Frenk ran off to his room. He opened the window, looking at the scene which was quickly unfolding as unexpected. Snow was melting fast and the mountain was shrinking in size. Water was now gushing all around. The lawn was submerged and then the water level started to rise. It seeped beneath the door, crossed the stairs, and entered the room where Frenk was getting restless. Frenk jumped onto his bed since the door was already blocked by water but water relentlessly chased Frenk. His bed sheet and then quilt and finally the pillow cushions all got soaked in water and floated around the room. Soon his school bag, his books, pencils and colours all floated on the water. Frenk was out of wits now and started calling out to his mother for help. “Help . . . help . . . save me, mom!” he shouted with all his strength.  He heard his mother say, “What happened? Why are you throwing your feet all over the bed? See, you have thrown your pillows and quilt out of the bed!”

Frenk sprang to his feet with disbelief. “You must have been dreaming!” his mother said.

“Yes mom . . . indeed,” Frenk laughed with some relief.

“Merry Christmas and what do you expect from Santa this year” his mother asked lovingly. Frenk laughed loudly and replied, “No, no, I can not even think of that. I will go according to Santa’s wish from now on.”

His mother smiled and Frenk ran towards Jimmy’s house to share his interesting dream.