Read to the End

All That's Missing is a Pear Tree

They'll be eating dinner right now. Just like always. Jake might even be there with Millie.

As I sit on the side of the road, I remember Christmas' past. The time I spent with Jake anticipating our gifts. Waiting up all night for Santa to come down our chimney. Trying every year to catch him in the act.

I think about my parents and all they've given me. They always made me feel special. I had everything I ever wanted and more. So much so, that I had no idea I wasn't their blood.

It never mattered to them. It never mattered to Jake.

So why does it matter to me now?

Chirp. Squawk.

"You're right. I'm being petty."

Screech.

"But they lied to me."

Toast screeches quickly in succession.

"I guess they didn't really lie. They just never mentioned it."

Chirp.

"It doesn't really matter. You're right. Maybe I should just suck it up and let go."

Toast spins around in his cage, jumping up and down.

"You weirdo."

He laughs.

I breathe in deeply, bracing for what may happen next. I look up and there they are. My family standing out in the cold. They're waving. Smiles across all their faces.

My eyes well up. It's been too long.

Every reason for not seeing them disappears in that moment and all I want to do is celebrate Christmas with those I love.

And my bird.

***

December 24th—Late Night

A crash wakes me up from my sleep.

"Toast!" I yell as I bolt upright.

He's sitting right next to me in my bed.

"What was that?"

Toast flies up and out of my door. I follow.

"Toast, stop!"

But he doesn't until we get downstairs. He flies by the chimney and perches on a stone set in the wall. A huge ball of light fills the room. I slam my eyes shut, but behind my lids I notice the light slowly fading. When I open them again, the room is near dark, and someone I never expected stands in front of me.

Someone I haven't believed in since I was 9 years old.

His white hair and beard shine through the darkened room. His red suit fills the negative space between the chimney and me. He is massive!

"S-Santa."

"Yes, Richie."

I shake my head. I've completely lost it.

"Am I asleep?"

"Oh, ho ho no sir. You are finally awake." He bellows, and I'm sure I see a literal sparkle emanating from his eyes.

"But you aren't real," I say timidly.

"I've heard that so many times, I don't take it personally anymore. But I am 100% real. You've been watching my partridge for the last couple of days."

"Toast?"

"Yes, indeed. I'm so glad you were able to discover his name. He's my favorite pet. Don't tell the reindeer." He puts a finger up to his mouth and winks.

I'm speechless. Nothing makes sense.

"Well, Toast, are you ready to come home?"

I look over at Toast, who's staring back at me. Understanding in his eyes. He turns to Santa and shakes his head.

Santa laughs. "As I suspected. Well then, if Richie wants, you can stay."

"Yes!" I shout, too enthusiastically.

"Then it's settled," Santa declares. "Toast, I will see you around. Richie, I trust you've learned what you were meant to. I will not be sending anymore birds your way." He lets out a hearty laugh, twinkles his nose, and disappears.

And as quickly as he appeared, he's gone again. Toast flies up to my shoulder. It's the first time he's ever been this close to me. I smile and pet his feathers. He spins in circles.

He's a pest, but he's my pest.

This story is in response to a writing prompt from blog.reedsy.com: Contest #73  Write about someone who is given a bird for the holidays but doesn't know how to take care of it.