Echoes of Deciet (Book 1)

A Winter Visit

On a chilly winter afternoon, AJ and Valerie took Ellie to the bustling mall for a special visit. Ellie's eyes sparkled with excitement as they approached the glistening Christmas tree adorned with colorful lights and ornaments. A long line of children and parents led to a cozy little cabin where a mall Santa sat, surrounded by holiday decorations.

Ellie tugged on her parents' hands, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "Can we see Santa, Daddy? Please!"

AJ grinned at his daughter's eagerness. "Of course, sweetheart. Let's go."

They joined the line, which seemed to move surprisingly quickly. As they got closer, Ellie couldn't contain her excitement, bouncing on her toes.

Finally, it was their turn. They entered the cabin, and Santa, with his snowy-white beard and rosy cheeks, welcomed them warmly. "Ho ho ho! Well, hello there! What's your name, little one?"

Ellie stepped forward, her eyes wide with awe. "I'm Ellie."

Santa smiled kindly and extended his arms. "Come, Ellie. Have a seat on Santa's lap."

Valerie and AJ exchanged a smile as Ellie climbed onto Santa's lap. She told him all about the toys she wished for and how she'd been a good girl all year. Santa listened attentively, his eyes twinkling with merriment.

After Ellie finished, Santa leaned in closer to her and whispered, "And what would you like for your mommy and daddy, Ellie?"

Ellie thought for a moment, then turned to AJ and Valerie, her eyes filled with love. "I want my mommy and daddy to always be happy."

AJ's heart swelled, and he couldn't help but share a look with Valerie. Santa's warm laughter filled the room as he hugged Ellie gently.

"That's a beautiful wish, Ellie," Santa said. "And I'm sure it'll come true."

With that, they took a photo with Santa, capturing this precious moment in time. As they left the cabin, Ellie clung to her parents' hands, her heart brimming with the magic of the season and the love of her family.

"Ha! Santa isn't real, you baby!" Another kid says pointing at Ellie.

Ellie starts to tear up. "Daddy, is that true?"

AJ knelt down to Ellie's eye level and gently wiped away her tear. He smiled warmly at her. "You know, sweetheart, Santa Claus is like a magical secret. Some people believe in him, and some people don't. But you can choose to believe in him if you want to. That's what makes it special. What matters most is the joy and love we feel during this time of year."

Valerie gave AJ an appreciative look, understanding that he was trying to protect Ellie's innocence. The older kid's comment faded into the background as Ellie clung to her belief in the magic of the season.

"Thanks, Daddy," Ellie said with a smile, her faith in Santa Claus restored.

AJ and Valerie shared a relieved glance, happy to see Ellie's spirits lifted once again as they continued their day at the mall, embracing the magic of the holiday season together.

They spent the day at the mall, shopping for Christmas gifts, and enjoying the festive decorations. Ellie's excitement grew with every holiday display, and AJ and Valerie couldn't help but smile at their daughter's infectious joy.

As they left the mall, snow began to fall gently from the sky, blanketing the ground in a fresh layer of white. They watched as Ellie tried to catch snowflakes on her tongue, her laughter filling the crisp winter air.

AJ held Valerie's hand, and they exchanged a glance filled with warmth and love. Despite life's challenges and the memories of the past, they were grateful for the family they had become, cherishing each moment together as they looked forward to celebrating their first Christmas as a family.

As they continued their walk, they passed a toy store, and Ellie's eyes widened at the sight of a large teddy bear displayed in the window. She tugged on AJ's coat.

"Daddy, look! That teddy bear is so fluffy! Can we get it for Christmas?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.

AJ glanced at Valerie, who smiled back at him, and then back at Ellie. "We'll see, sweetheart. Maybe Santa will have something special for you this year."

He made a mental note of the teddy bear, determined to make it a part of Ellie's Christmas surprise.