Page 31 - ThreeGiftsForFlipBook

“Because Christmas is a time for families to be together and sometimes he’s nice.” “When he’s not drunk, huh? Does he drink often?” “Almost every day.” Justin rolled his eyes. “Then maybe almost every day you’d be better off without him.” Emily looked towards the small window as if she expected to see him there. “But I miss him.” “I still think you should forget about him.” Emily turned to Justin with a defiant look. “Don’t you want your mommy and daddy both home for Christmas?” Justin dropped his eyes to the floor. “It would be nice, but it ain’t going to happen.” “Why not?” “My mother is dead. She died about a year ago.” Emily became very quiet. “That’s sad,” she said. Justin looked at her. He could tell she felt badly for him. In so many ways she seemed much older than her six years. In fact, Justin thought, in some ways she seemed more mature than he was himself. Emily didn’t say anything for a while as if deep in thought. Suddenly she brightened and grabbed his sweater. “Hey, I know! I have a mommy and you have a daddy. I can share my mommy with you and you can share your daddy with 26