As soon as upon a time, in a small village nestled within the coronary heart of the mountains, there lived a younger woman named Lily. She was form, mild, and all the time prepared to assist others. She significantly cherished serving to her mother bake cookies for Christmas.
As Christmas Eve approached, Lily was on the brink of have fun along with her household. She was so wanting ahead to having fun with a festive meal along with her household, exchanging presents with family members, sitting across the fireplace with grandpa, and awaiting the arrival of Santa within the morning.
As soon as all of the preparations had been full, simply as they had been about to take a seat down for dinner, the cellphone rang.
Lily’s mother answered the cellphone and her eyes shortly swelled with tears as she regarded lovingly towards her daughter.
Lily felt a lump in her throat. And despite the fact that she already knew what her mother was going to say, she was nonetheless unprepared to listen to the phrases out loud—her finest good friend Emma’s mom had handed away from most cancers.
Emma had been Lily’s finest good friend for so long as she might keep in mind. Her mother had been sick for a lot of months and was getting worse. She knew the time was late, however everybody had hoped she would reside by means of Christmas.
Her passing on Christmas Eve was significantly devastating, even when it was not completely surprising.
Lily was heartbroken for her good friend and knew that she wanted help and luxury. With out hesitation, she requested her household if she might go to Emma on Christmas Eve. Her dad and mom and siblings understood her want to assist her good friend, and so they agreed to let her go.
Lily bundled up in her warmest coat and set off by means of the snow-covered streets. When she arrived at Emma’s home, she discovered Emma and her father sitting by the fireside, wanting misplaced and alone. “Lily, I’m so glad you’re right here,” Emma stated, throwing her arms round her. “I’ve been feeling so alone with out Mother.”
Lily hugged Emma tightly and did her finest to supply phrases of consolation. She instructed Emma that she was not alone, and that she had individuals who cared about her and wished to assist her. Collectively, they spent the remainder of the day sitting quietly, speaking, crying, and reminiscing about Emma’s mom.
Because the night turned to nighttime, Emma’s father thanked Lily for coming to go to. Her presence was a present to the household, however time was getting late.
“Lily, you’re a real good friend to Emma,” he stated. “However I’m afraid you’re going to overlook Santa’s presents for those who keep for much longer.”
However Lily didn’t care in regards to the presents anymore. She knew Emma wanted her greater than something, and he or she was decided to remain by her aspect so long as was wanted.
As they sat by the fireside, speaking and laughing, Lily might see the burden lifting from Emma’s shoulders. And he or she knew that she had made the appropriate choice.
When it was time for Lily to go dwelling, Emma and her father thanked her profusely. “Lily, you’re the finest good friend anybody might ask for,” Emma stated. “Thanks for being right here for me.”
“I’m simply glad I might assist,” Lily stated, smiling. “Merry Christmas, Emma. I really like you.”
As she walked dwelling by means of the quiet, snow-covered streets, Lily heard a church bell ringing within the distance. The sound stuffed her with a way of peace and luxury, and he or she knew that somebody extra essential than Santa had been watching over her that evening and smiling upon her.
And as she fell asleep that evening, dreaming of a brighter future for Emma, Lily knew that the true pleasure of Christmas was not about receiving presents, however about giving love and help to those that wanted it most.
