An Aurora Skies Christmas Romance Tale

Chapter 2

The next day was December 1st. The beginning day of Miriam's plan.

Ciro anxiously paced around the room as he waited for Miriam to finished getting dressed upstairs. This is insane, he thought to himself. I can't let her do this. But she's always so determined when she sets her mind on something. How can I persuade her that this is a CRAZY idea and is a lost cause?

His head jolted up toward her direction when he heard light footsteps coming down the stairs. He blushed a little as she came towards him with that ever glowing smile of hers and wearing the attire that she was. She was dressed in a rather flattering Santa dress, wearing high green and white striped stockings. The black boots even added a nice, sexy touch. Why is she dressing like this again to see Scrooge McHodge?

It's as if Miriam read his mind. "I know, I know what you're thinking," she said. "It's a bit much, but I've gotta wear something festive and...a little appealing so that it gets his attention and he's willing to chat with me a bit you know?" She winked.

"I understand," Ciro expressed, wanting desperately to pull her in close so he could rub his hands up and down those perfectly formed curves. "But," he stopped himself, "I'm really worried about you doing this Miriam. This guy is dangerous and if anything should happen to you--"



Miriam placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "This is why I asked you to come with me," she assured. "And not just because I need your car," she chuckled. But when Ciro didn't smile back, she continued more seriously. "I know Hodge has the potential to be dangerous, I'm not stupid, but...something within me keeps nagging at me to do this. I feel like I need to do this. I want to do this. I feel so bad for him."
"Your caring heart is admirable Miriam," Ciro said, "but--"
"Besides, how can anyone get angry at someone for giving them a gift?" she asked, pulling out the small gift from her dress pocket to show.
"Someone like him!" Ciro stressed.

Once again Miriam ran a comforting hand down his shoulder. "Don't worry Ciro, it's going to be ok. I can feel it. The man needs this and you know it."



She continued. "And I'll be so charming he won't even be able to resist me."



Upon hearing that, Ciro couldn't help but agree and smile as he found his eyes beginning to wander below her face onto something else.

"No doubt you will," he said admiringly, then added sternly, "but if he so much as tries to hit you or worse, pulls out a gun on you, then you run and yell out for me and I'll be there in a flash!"



Miriam smiled with a blush. "I love how sweet and protective you are Ciro."
"I mean it Miriam."
"I know, come here," she said, enveloping him in her arms. "Thank you. And thank you for helping me with this."



Ciro still felt uneasy sending her off to do this, even if he wouldn't be too far behind her.



Earlier he strongly suggested going to the door with her, but Miriam felt that might be a little too intimidating for Mr. Hodge, so she figured it best that Ciro hide a few feet behind the trees with his car.

As they released each other from the hug, Ciro continued to hold Miriam for a bit. His heart was nearly pounding out of his chest and he couldn't help but say it. "You know I love you right?" he said while gazing into her eyes. "You're my best friend Miriam and I'd never want to lose you."



Miriam didn't look as surprised as he'd hoped from his declaration, but she did blush. "Aww, of course I do," she sweetly replied. "And I love you too. But really Ciro don't worry. Everything will be fine. Let's just go and do this!" She grinned, shaking excitedly.
Ciro nodded, and with that Miriam bolt out the door for the truck.

"You really should've kissed her," Angelica said from the desk, while scrolling through her Facebook page. "It was the perfect moment."

Ciro glanced over at her while expressing a deeply disappointed sigh.

****

It was about a 15 minute drive to Mr. Hodge's old abandoned warehouse of a home; the two friends probably would've arrived quicker if the roads hadn't been so slushy.

Once Ciro parked the truck beside the road, he and Miriam just sat and stared at the ramshackled old place in silence for a few seconds. He couldn't tell just how nervous Miriam was and how quickly she was debating with herself whether she really wanted to do this.

"We can always turn back," Ciro suggested.
"I know," Miriam nodded, releasing a deep breath. "But I know that if I do that I will forever ask myself, 'What if?'"
Ciro looked down, not knowing what to say.
"No. I'll do it. I'm just giving him a simple gift. Easy enough right?"
"I hope so."
"You've got my back?"
"Of course! I won't take my eyes off you!"
"Good."



Taking in another deep breath, Miriam released it as she said, "Okay. Let's do this!" and stepped out of the truck.

Deciding not to waste anymore time debating, she bolted towards the warehouse. Maybe saying a tiny little prayer as she did.



Once she stood before the door, preparing to knock, she couldn't help noticing just how much this place reminded her of a creepy warehouse straight from a Simis King novel. She tried to control her shivers of fear, but at least they could be masked by the fact that it's cold outside.

Bravely she knocked on the slivering wood door.

It felt like the longest 30 seconds of her life, paired with light rustling sounds coming from within.

"Scrooge McHodge" flung the door open without any reservation and once he set eyes upon this rare guest, Miriam could see them widen a bit.

"What do you want?" he gruffed at her.
"Umm, Hi!" Miriam greeted cheerfully, throwing out the biggest grin she could muster. "My name is Miriam Day and you are...?"
Mr. Hodge just stared at her with a glare.

"Anyway," she went on, clasping her hands together behind her back to hide both shivers. "I'm here because it's officially the first day of the Holiday Season and," she shuddered as Mr. Hodge stepped out of his home to stand before her while shutting the door. "And...I was thinking of you and wanted to give you a gift." She reached for her dress pocket.

Suddenly, Mr. Hodge chuckled and said in a somewhat mocking tone, while pointing a finger, "Ha ha that's a good one girlie!"



"You must be new in town right?" he asked.
"Uhh...no. I've lived here for almost two years."
That seemed to surprise Mr. Hodge a tad, but he shrugged it off and went on to say, "Then you very well know that I don't do Christmas so move along young lady..." and he turned for the door.
"But Mr. Hodge," she beckoned. "You're forgetting my gift to you."
"I don't do gifts either."
"Oh come on...I know you'll really like it," she said in a babying tone of voice.

"I said I don't want your gift!" Mr. Hodge snapped. "Now leave!"



"Ok," Miriam nonchalantly said while scratching her head. "But you see I feel like you're the kind of person who needs a little kindness in their life so...you may not like me stopping by, but I'm going to keep coming by, every single day until Christmas with a special gift for you."
"What!?"
"To show you that I care Mr. Hodge. Just think of me as your own personal Advent Calendar!" She smiled.



"I don't want your Christmas related gifts, or your care, and I don't want you stopping by here every day. Just leave me alone!"
"Ok then," Miriam concluded, bending down towards the ground with the gift, "I'm just going to leave this right here and see you in the morning tomorrow."
"No!" he cried in anger. "Don't you get it missy? I want you off my property and never come back! And if you do I'll call the police."

There was a quick pause as the two stared each other down.



"Then call them," Miriam challenged with a mischievous grin and ran off towards the truck. "Have a lovely December 1st Mr. Hodge," she called back. "See you tomorrow."

"Urrrgghh!" Mr. Hodge grumbled loudly, hoping she would hear, as he kicked her small present clear across the yard.

As he watched the gift fall into a deep drift of snow, he suddenly realized that once the snow melted he would have to see it again and...he didn't want that. He rolled his eyes as he headed over to fetch it. Better to just throw it away so it's gone for good, he thought.

Once he entered his warehouse home and stood before the trash bin, he stopped and studied the present a bit; pressing it every which way, trying to make a guess as to what it could be. Maybe I'll take a quick peek at what it is before I throw it away. His curiosity got the better of him. As he ripped off the paper, falling into the bin as he did, he discovered a nice cigar now resting between his fingers.

With pursed lips he stared at the gift and tried to remember the last time he had a good smoke with a cigar. He really couldn't recall.

With a shrug he thought, Guess I could use a smoke, but ONLY to help me remember the good old days...

****


Gotta stop the chapter here as I need to go back in game and get a few more pictures for the next part. 😊

Hope you enjoyed! 😃

A proper reply to your sweet comments later @lanlyn 😘
(It's SUPER late at night while I'm posting this! 😳 )

-----------------------------------------


An Aurora Skies Christmas Romance Tale

Chapter 2 continued...

The next morning there was a knock at Mr. Hodge's door. He was afraid the odd woman would return and he wasn't happy about it. At all!



However, he decided to keep quiet and pray - which he never did anymore - that she'd think him not home and leave. Maybe I should do this every time she comes over and maybe she'll get the hint, he thought gleefully. It had to work.

"Happy December 2nd Mr. Hodge!" the ever cheerful Miriam greeted from the other side of the door. When there was still no answer she said, "I don't know if you're in there or not, but," she paused, "I'm sorry to have missed you." Then she sighed. "I'll leave this right here for you again. Merry Christmas!" And with that she ran back to Ciro's truck, her footsteps crunching in the snow to Mr. Hodge's ears.

He bolted for the door, swung it open, fully intending to yell something out at her, but she was gone.

Sighing in frustration he glanced down at the present, picked it up, wanting to just chuck it into the fire, but his curiosity kept getting the better of him.

****

The third day Miriam returned again. And the fourth. And the fifth. Still bringing presents while he continued to ignore the door.

On the sixth day, he stepped outside for a moment to take the trash out...



...when he turned to find Miriam magically present by his door, startling him. "Hey!" he sharply addressed while throwing his coat to the ground and stomping towards her, fully intending to chew her out. No longer would he stand for this anymore!

"Hello there Mr. Hodge!" she greeted with that ever annoying bright smile of hers. "Happy December --"
"Save it missy!" he ordered. "I don't want you coming around here anymore and I especially don't want your presents!"
"But--"



"I warned you that if you ever came back onto my property I would call the police so here it goes." He whipped out his prepaid phone and started dialing.
"Please Mr. Hodge," Miriam begged, "I don't mean to be a bother, or trespass--"
"Well you are!"
"I'm sorry I...I just want you to be happy..."
"I'M JUST FINE THE WAY I AM!" He shouted, throwing the phone up to his ear.
"Alright," Miriam surrendered, holding her hands up which dropped her gift onto the snow. "I'll go." And then she ran a little more quickly than usual back to Ciro's truck.
"HEY!" he cursed under his breath. "You get back here!"

"911, what's your emergency?"

Mr. Hodge lowered his phone continuing to curse, as he sharply pressed the End Call button.

****

Five minutes later, the police arrived on the scene. One of them was quite familiar with Mr. Hodge, having dealt with his shenanigans before. Once it was determined there was no emergency, the veteran officer dismissed his rookie to return to the vehicle while he stayed behind to chat with "Mr. Scrooge."

The two shot a few glances at each other for a moment, pretty much knowing how this was going to end, while the officer adjusted his duty belt and asked, "What is the disturbance this time Mr. Hodge?"
"A woman," he promptly replied. "A crazy woman named Mary-something who keeps coming onto my property and driving me crazy!"
"How exactly is she driving you crazy?"
"She's been coming by here every day since the first of the month, saying she's my 'human advent calendar' or something, and bringing me gifts that I don't WANT!"



The officer peered at him for a moment with a suppressed laugh while resting one hand on his hip. "So you're saying," he reiterated with his hands, "that a woman is coming over to your house giving you...gifts? What kind of gifts?"



"Christmas gifts, what else!? And she's always dressed like an elf when she comes. She's a crazy woman Officer, I'm telling ya!"



The officer's eyes brightened with realization setting in. "Ohh, are you talking about Miriam Day?"
He shrugged. "I guess so."
"Oh pfft," he dismissed with a wave of his hand, "she's harmless Hodge! A real sweet lady that one. She's on the city council and an especially chipper and festive person this time of year. She's just trying to spread a little Christmas cheer, although I can't imagine why she'd head over here into your neck of the woods," he muttered that last statement.
"Exactly! She's annoying and I want her off my property, but she won't leave! She insists on bringing me gifts every day until Christmas!" He shook his head in frustration. "You gotta get rid of her Officer!"



"Now hold on there Hodge," the officer calmed. "Has she done you any real harm?"
"No, but she's trespassing and I want you to do something about it!"
"I get that's she's somewhat trespassing and I'll talk to her, but you know," he paused, curling his lip a bit, "I would think that you'd find it quite flattering that someone in this town actually cares about you..."

Hearing that Mr. Hodge met the Officer's gaze with a heavy-hearted look in his eyes.

Instantly the officer's face fell with remorse. He wasn't expecting that reaction. "Uh... that didn't come out right."
Mr. Hodge lowered his eyes to hide his agreement.
"What I mean to say is Hodge...be grateful for this angel that's miraculously appeared in your life. You may not like it, but...just humor the girl alright? Swallow your pride and allow her the opportunity to serve. To spread her overflowing Christmas cheer."
Mr. Hodge just rolled his eyes and let out a light huff.
The officer didn't really have much else to say. "So...I guess we're done here?"
There was a slight, surrendering nod.



"Ok then," the officer concluded, heading for the door. "Oh and by the way Hodge," he turned, "It's a $500 fine to call 911 when there isn't a legit emergency going on. However," he paused, "I'm willing to let that slide for the sake of Miriam Day's Christmas spirit. That woman sure has blown my mind with this one," he shook his head with a chuckle. "Besides, the last thing you have is $500 to fork over am I right Hodge?" 

Mr. Hodge grit his teeth as he closed his eyes and shook his head in annoyed defeat. Eventually he managed to get out, "Good day officer."



****

The next day, the seventh, Miriam didn't arrive in the morning.

Mr. Hodge found himself continually glancing out his foggy windows, rubbing at them each time to see better, fully expecting to find her trudging through the snow toward his front door in that skimpy outfit of hers. He couldn't figure out why he kept looking especially since...this is exactly what he wanted. For her to disappear.

He felt a tiny hint of disappointment, perhaps more than a tiny hint, poke at his shriveled heart, but he shrugged it off and simply said, "Good riddance." He then headed over to the couch to relax and read the morning paper, relishing in the pleasurable heat from the fire.



Later that afternoon as he prepared to head out and split some firewood, a familiar knock rang through the air.

Freezing in his tracks, Mr. Hodge released a giant breath while gazing up at the ceiling. He was instantly reminded of the Officer's words.

Opening up the door, still refusing to smile, Miriam stepped back a little to allow him out.

"Happy December 7th Mr. Hodge," she greeted, somewhat less cheerfully than before.
There was a sigh. "There's just no avoiding you is there?" he frankly asked.



A smile drew across her lips. "Nope. Not this Christmas season Mr. Hodge."
He tried not to roll his eyes at her.
"I promised you a gift every day until Christmas and...I intend to keep that promise. Of course," she paused, digging the tip of her shoe into the snow, "if you'll allow me the opportunity to keep my promise?"

Gosh this woman certainly has a way with words...and with people, he couldn't help thinking. She was really something. And he still couldn't figure out why of ALL people she'd give a darn about him, but...

"I guess so," he replied with a deep sigh.
Miriam's eyes lit up like a diamond in the sun. "Oh thank you Mr. Hodge! You won't regret--"



"Alright, alright I get it, just," he deeply sighed again, "leave me with your gift and be on your way."
Eyes still glistening, Miriam handed over a box of assorted chocolates, nicely wrapped with a red ribbon. "Hope you can eat these..."
"Of course I can!" he expressed while harshly grabbing the box. "Why wouldn't I!?"
Miriam froze. "Oh uhh...I dunno," she replied awkwardly. "I guess because some people are diabetic or...they're trying to watch their weight..."
His eyes pierced hers sharply at that comment.
"NOT saying that you're trying to lose weight! I mean...you look great," she complimented, quickly studying his physique. "I just--"
"You can go now."
"Okay!" She spun on her heel and did just that.


😁

More to come soon!

What if McHodge is a serial killer who eats people! :o Nah, this is a Christmas story, not a Supernatural Halloween show. ;)

@lanlyn Thanks for the sweet comments again. <3
It's funny you should mention the Prepaid Phone because that was something that instantly hit me when I was typing that I needed to make sure was accurate. He's poor...so having a cell phone "Plan" wouldn't be realistic. So Prepaid it was. 😜 And...I would imagine he has the kind of prepaid where it can't be traced. ;)
But yeah, I love how you notice the little details I've thrown in. 😏 It must be something we notice as fellow writers. 😘

I don't like slapstick humor either... (The Three Stooges...oh gosh kill me! 🙄 )
The only thing Jim Carrey I like is "Dumb and Dumber." 😆 And Bruce Almighty, but everything else...just...no. 😬

Here's the next chapter for you. :blush: (And any others who may be reading. ;) )

---------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3

December 8th

Miriam (and Ciro) had just returned from visiting with Mr. Hodge and she was so filled with joy that she couldn't keep herself still. She squealed, her hands clasped and raised to her breast, as Ciro began closing the door behind them.

"Oh Ciro!" she happily cried. "Did you see him actually accept my gift this time around? I mean, he totally almost smiled!"
Ciro cracked one himself, trying to share her same enthusiasm. "No...it's kinda hard to see from my distance, but yeah...," he faced her, "that's wonderful Miriam. You're magic is working."
She blushed. "Well, I was just following my heart. I mean gosh," she breathed, placing her hand upon her chest. "My heart feels so full. I don't think I've ever felt this happy in a LONG time Ciro! It's just...such a great feeling to know I'm helping someone like this." She gazed into his eyes. "Helping someone find the light in their life again you know?"
"Yeah..."
"I say we should have some of our friends over tonight! Call it a little celebration!" she declared. "What do you think?"

Ciro shrugged, not feeling like there was a whole lot to celebrate, but, "Yeah. That sounds like a good idea." I guess...

****

Miriam, her roommates, and a few of their friends all got together at 5pm, eating pizza for dinner in front of the cozy fire while listening to various Christmas tunes in the background.

After dinner, Miriam and Ciro had a moment while chatting together where they both decided within themselves that tonight...they were going to share their true feelings for each other.



Ciro couldn't wait! He'd anticipated this moment for years and finally mustered up the strength to do it. He didn't want to miss out on a perfect moment either, like he did the other day.

One could only imagine his enthusiasm when a few of their friends started casually sharing kisses under the mistletoe and Miriam invited him to come join her underneath.
He tried to hide his burning, blushing cheeks as he approached her.



This wasn't exactly how he planned their first kiss to be, but who was he to complain?

"I feel a little silly doing this," he expressed to Miriam. He always thought the kissing under the mistletoe thing was super silly and cliché.
She chuckled. "Oh it's cute! Now c'mon...humor me for a bit." She winked.
Alright. "With pleasure."



Miriam took his arm, and he hers, each gently pulling the other in for a tender, very first kiss together.



They both grinned brightly at each other after the kiss ended, while resting their forehead's against the other's giggling.

Ciro had every intention of leaning in and kissing her again, but Miriam stepped back a little and said, "Sorry. I, uh, hope you'll excuse me Ciro, I...I need to step into the bathroom. I'll be right back." As he watched her go he hoped that meant she actually had to go and not that she was avoiding him.

When Miriam exited the bathroom she was approached by a few of her friends who started asking her about her recent visits with "Scrooge McHodge." It turned into a long conversation and while waiting for her Ciro somehow got sucked into playing a board game with Pedro, Angelica, and one of their close friends.

As the evening came to a close, the friends chatting with Miriam told her goodbye, and to the others, as they headed out the door for home. Miriam joined the other four in their board game and once it ended, the last friend bid them goodbye and Pedro and Angelica informed they were tired and headed upstairs to bed.

Finally it was just Miriam and Ciro alone in the room, with the Christmas tree as a sparkling backdrop, and as the clock was about to strike midnight.

"This was a really fun evening," Ciro spoke.
"Yeah," Miriam concurred. "It was."



"I take it you're ready for bed too?" he asked, hoping not.
"Not exactly," she replied, as she got up from the couch to join Ciro on his. "Look Ciro I'm," she started, growing nervous, "I'm sorry I took off like that...after our kiss."
Ciro nodded. "It's ok..."
"And...about that kiss..."
"Yes, let's talk about that kiss," he expressed anxiously.



Miriam inched in closer beside him. "It was wonderful," she breathed, gazing deeply into his eyes, with the deepest of sincerity written upon them.
Ciro gazed lovingly back into them. "Was it?" he playfully asked, putting his arm around her. "Because...I think I need a reminder." And with that he pulled her in for another deep, yet tender, kiss.

"Ciro..." Miriam whispered between breaths.
"Miriam," he whispered in return, as he leaned her back a bit, pressing his lips harder upon hers and gently starting to pull down the sleeve of her shirt with his other hand.

"Ciro," Miriam addressed louder this time, causing him to pull back as she slid her shirt sleeve back up. "We," she corrected, "there's something...I need to tell you."
Ciro felt his heart sink for a bit as he sat up fully now. "What is it?" he gently asked.

"Oh G*d," she expressed, burying her face into her hands. "I don't know what's wrong Ciro. I don't understand it."
"Don't understand what?" he hated to encourage.
"You are this amazing guy!" she said, gazing back at him now. "Always so sweet and the most wonderful friend, and I've wanted us to be together. I've wanted it for a long time."
"Me too."
"But...when I made the decision to ask you for a kiss under the mistletoe, which please don't feel like I was using you for an experiment, I was just...hoping the kiss would help confirm my feelings for you. You know? Be the kiss to seal the deal."
Ciro looked down at his hands now. "And...it didn't?"
Miriam frowned. "No," she sadly replied. "Like I said...I just don't understand it."
"So when we kissed just now," Ciro said, glancing back at her, "did you feel the spark? The confirmation? Because I sure did."
"I know," Miriam whispered, shaking her head and trying to hold back tears. "But I didn't. I am SO sorry Ciro!" She hated witnessing the disappointed look upon his face.

"I guess," she continued, "you're just too much of a good friend to me that...it just doesn't feel right to take it to the next level because if our relationship were to not work out I'd feel like I'd lose your friendship forever and honestly Ciro," she held her hand to her aching heart, "I would die if that ever happened!"
"What makes you think our relationship would not work out?"
"Ciro...it's taken us two years to finally start pursuing the idea," she paused. "Don't you think if we were really meant to be together, we would've known long before now? And acted upon it?"
Ciro released a big sigh. "I guess it's my fault then. If I hadn't been so nervous to ask you out earlier than maybe we'd be..." he stopped, unable to finish.
"Aww, come here," Miriam beckoned, putting her arm around him and pulling him in for a snuggle. "Don't blame yourself. I was nervous to ask you out too. I guess," she sighed, "we were just always meant to be really good friends instead of being in a relationship."
"I guess so," he said, still gazing into her beautiful eyes with a longing expression. "But it sure felt nice to explore the next step with you...even just for a little bit."
"Yeah," she smiled. "It did...



...but when you started pulling down my sleeve I was like, 'Oh my gosh Ciro is trying to make love to me,'" she chuckled, "and...it made me feel a little uncomfortable."
Ciro looked down with a cracked smile.
"I don't mean that offensively!" Miriam assured. "It's just...it's like what we talked about, you're my best friend and it felt a little weird to go there..."
"I understand," he said. "And honestly, as much as I wanted to, and boy did I really want to!" They both chuckled. "I was feeling nervous as heck," he continued, "like I wouldn't measure up to your expectations or something."

Miriam gazed upon him with a look of love again. "I'm sure you would've measured up," she said to comfort, "it just...isn't meant to be."
"Yeeeah," he really hated to say.
"So," she deeply sighed, "are we ok? You'll still always be my best friend forever?"
Figuring they'd have to be and because he respected her feelings, Ciro replied sincerely, "Yeah. We're ok. And of course I'll be your best friend forever."

Miriam smiled in relief as they then cuddled in silence for a bit.

"So...should we head up to bed now?" Ciro asked, breaking it.
"No," she whispered. "Let's just stay like this...for a few more minutes."
"Okay," he agreed.



"You know I love you too right?" Miriam almost forgot to tell him.
"Yes. I do."

****

December 12th

The past four days went by pleasurably for Miriam when visiting Mr. Hodge, although a twinge of heartbreak was still shared between her and Ciro. Nevertheless they carried on like the best friends they've always been and he continued to keep a watchful eye on her as she visited daily with the ever bitter man, who surprisingly...was turning more into a decent man throughout each day inching closer to Christmas.

In fact the townsfolk began noticing less of "Scrooge McHodge's" negative feelings about Christmas whenever he made an appearance in town and that was a miracle in and of itself.

One afternoon as he stepped into the grocery store just as a woman was going out, he took notice of her bug eyed look towards him; as if she were surprised to see him.
"Yes! I'm still around!" he said with a little less gruff then he normally would.
"I didn't say anything!" the woman muttered as she looked away and kept on walking.



Miriam's daily conversations with Mr. Hodge grew longer, to her excitement, as he was really starting to open up to her a little. Honestly, for him, it was beginning to feel quite nice talking one and one with someone again.

He talked about how life wasn't always easy living in a run down, abandoned warehouse. How he had to repair it from the ground up the best he cold, having very little money, but thankfully being blessed with the gift of handiness.



He talked about his intense poverty...how his job as the night shift graveyard grounds keeper was barely paying the utility bills...



Electricity became too much so he switched to only lighting his home with candles for about three years. Then when he found an easy to fix flat screen TV at the dump, he went back to having electricity again. He longed to watch TV again...anything his satellite antenna would pick up. It was a modern amenity he'd missed greatly and was definitely worth the cost - even if it meant hunting for food instead of buying groceries and selling the pelts.

His story about finding and fixing up the TV reminded Miriam that it wasn't a rare sight to see him dumpster diving around town in the past...





One thing Mr. Hodge mentioned that made Miriam chuckle was him calling laundry the most detestable chore out of them all...(and he had many!) especially when trying to run his clothes through the world's cra'pp'iest washing machine...



...and then forgetting to bring the clothes in from hanging out to dry on the line before the rain or snow started falling.



Her heart especially went out to him as he talked about spending TEN winters in his run down warehouse home...





...and how some years it was so bitter cold that the single fireplace wasn't enough to heat every area of the ground floor that he needed it to.



So often he had to spend the night sleeping on the cold, hard floor, instead of in his bed; in front of the fire, to keep himself from freezing to death.



How no one ever noticed this man's poverty and reached out to him in all these years is beyond me, Miriam thought. She'd be the first to admit that SHE certainly could've reached out to him sooner and she also knew of plenty of other good and caring people in town who should have as well, but then again...Mr. Hodge didn't exactly allow anyone in to help.

On the days leading up to today Miriam was very happy to learn all of these things about Mr. Hodge and his life, but it disappointed her that he still hadn't revealed how he ended up in the warehouse, alone, and why he hates Christmas so much. Perhaps it wouldn't matter anymore if his heart was really beginning to change, but...she couldn't help thinking how he wouldn't fully be able to change and heal if he didn't talk about it. She had a sneaking suspicion that he never talked to anyone about what caused the hatred...and that's why he was so full of pain, anger, and resentment. There is still time, she thought in conclusion. I'll casually ask him about it when the moment feels right. She could only hope that moment would present itself before Christmas.

But for now things were beginning to look up, miraculously, and she didn't want to rush inquiring into his personal life for fear of pushing him away just as he's barely started to open up to someone since a decade's time.

The ice was still thin and she had to continually tread lightly. However, she HAD to help Mr. Hodge have a happier, wonderful, and memorable Christmas this year. He needed that...more than anyone else in the world it seemed.


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


😊

Chapter 4

"Happy December 14th Mr. Hodge," Miriam greeted, like she always did, holding her gift out to him.

This time the man sighed, a faint smile creeping across his lips. "Thank you," he said, taking the gift. It was the first time he said that.
Miriam tried to control herself from bursting with excitement.



"Go ahead," she encouraged, "open it."
Mr. Hodge froze his look at her. "Now?"
"Yes!"
"Umm...ok." This felt awkward.

As he pulled the ribbon off and tore off the paper, Miriam took the trash from him and threw it away in the trash can. Looking inside the box and discovering a various array of contents, tilting the box this way and that, Mr. Hodge asked as she returned to him, "What is this stuff?"

Recognizing he didn't feel like digging through it, Miriam took the box from him and pulled out a squished black hat and a long, fluffy scarf that rested on top of the other things. "See?" she said, holding out the box closer so he could see. There were a few pieces of coal and a carrot at the bottom. He looked up and said, "I don't get it."
She chuckled. "We're going to build a snowman!"
"Whaaat?"
"Yeah! You need something to liven up your place out here."
He wanted to contest, but he knew she'd have some convincing reason for doing it that would make him change his mind.

"At least it's not Christmas lights and wreaths," she pointed out, practically reading his mind. She was good at that. "It's just building a snowman. Everyone does it. Even if they don't celebrate Christmas. It's true." She winked.
Shaking his head with a sigh he gave in and said, "Fine." I can't argue with this woman anymore and besides, I can always destroy it when she's not around and say it was the wind...

As Miriam squealed with glee she knelt down and began rapidly pulling a bunch of snow into a pile to form the base of the snowman. Mr. Hodge just stood and watched for a moment.



"This is silly," he said. "I haven't built a snowman since I was like...8."
"Really!?"
"It's a childish thing to do."
"It is not!" she retorted. "I've seen many adults build snowmen in my day. And you know Mr. Hodge, sometimes you need to do things that seem a little childish at times to take your mind off all of your adult responsibilities and stresses. It does wonders for your mental health. Reliving simpler times you know?"
He shrugged.
"I think you do...now come on!"
With a slight roll of his eyes, he finally joined in.

Together they worked to form a perfectly round ball, patting down each side until they both reached for one side at the same time and their hands inadvertently rested upon each other's...



Glancing up into the other's eyes for a moment, feeling a sudden surge of unknown energy penetrating into their hearts, they both removed their hands in unison. "Sorry," they said.
Miriam brushed her hair behind her ears, oddly trying to hide a blush when she found herself curiously asking the question, "Is that a wedding ring I felt on your finger?" It was his left hand that she touched and she was pretty sure it was on the ring finger.

Mr. Hodge instantly froze, his arms gradually dropping to his side as he shot a glowering look at her. Miriam gulped for a moment as her heart suddenly began to pound. She immediately regretted asking such a question and feared she may have just ruined everything. Quickly, she had to save this.

"I'm so sorry," she said. "That's really none of my business."

Mr. Hodge didn't nod, or even say a word as he finally released his intense gaze upon her and turned to start forming another ball for the midsection. Miriam let out a breath of relief.

For the next several minutes they worked in silence to finish up the body.



When they were done, Miriam took a long look at it and declared, "It's perfect! Now we just gotta dress it up."



She turned back to the present box. "Why don't you go fetch some sticks to be the arms and I'll get started on this stuff."
"I'm not a married man who ran out on his wife if that's what you're thinking," Mr. Hodge blurted out.
She froze, mid bend toward the box on the ground. "I...wasn't," she said, grabbing the coal and standing up.
"Good."

While placing the coal on the midsection to create the "buttons," Miriam grew thoughtful; trying to figure out a non-direct way to get him to open up. "It's funny," she started, "I didn't think you cared about what other people thought of you."
At that, Mr. Hodge shot a nasty look at her again as he turned away to go find some sticks.
Little did he know just how much she was smiling at him from behind.

When he returned with the sticks, he sighed before saying, "I usually don't care what other's think about me ok!"
"Ok," she accepted.
"It's just," he began, shoving the sticks into the snowman as if they were daggers, "you start coming along and talking to me and," he paused, "perhaps I'm starting to care about what you think."
Miriam smiled. Warmth filling up her heart. "Look Mr. Hodge," she said. "We all have a past...and some of it's too hard to talk about so, I get it. You don't have to explain anything to me if you don't want to."

Mr. Hodge was rather impressed by that comment. "Well alright then," he simply said.
"Yup!" she pretended to accept, even though she was crazy curious. "Now let's finish decorating this snowman because it's COLD out here!"

After Mr. Hodge brought out a broom to give it a final touch, Miriam clapped happily as she looked upon the finished snowman. "Aww, it's so cute! It turned out much better than I thought it would!"
"Yeah," he agreed, admiring it too.



"Well," Miriam sighed, rubbing her hands together and blowing her breath into them. "I best be on my way. My friend is waiting for me in his truck."
"Oh?" Mr. Hodge asked, glancing toward the road.
"Yeah. He's my ride over here every day."
"He?" he inquired. "Why hasn't he ever come to my door with you?"
"Well," she hesitated, "it was my idea to visit you like this and...I didn't want you to feel intimidated by me showing up with a guy."
"I wouldn't have felt intimidated."
"But...would you have been accepting of the two of us instead of it just being me?" she winked.
Thinking on that for a second, Mr. Hodge replied, "Probably not." Gosh she's good!
They both chuckled.

For a brief moment the two just stood there looking at each other, both lost in each other's deepest thoughts about the other. Mostly they studied each other's physical features, thinking that by so doing they could somehow dig up some more information about the other. They'd only just met and there was still a lot they didn't know, a lot they wished to know, but one thing was for certain, they'd begun to like each other and cherished their newly developed friendship.



"I guess this is goodbye then," Miriam spoke. "Until tomorrow...Mr. Hodge."

Even though the sun had fully set and there wasn't much light now, Miriam's beauty had shone out to the man's eyes like the sun on a hot Summer day.



"Yes," he whispered. "Until tomorrow...Miriam."

And with that, Miriam threw her coat back on which she hung onto a tree branch and ran back towards the road, while Mr. Hodge stepped back into the warmth of his home.



****

As the hours passed into the early evening, Mr. Hodge stepped outside to gather more firewood. It was still snowing and he gazed up at the sky, wondering if it would ever stop.

His eyes lowered taking notice of the snowman, it's hat and scarf now sprinkled with snowflakes, and he smiled. He couldn't find it in his heart to destroy it after all.

He headed over to the side of the house where the firewood was placed and before he started gathering a few logs, an interesting thought entered into his mind. There was a lovely blanket of untouched snow a few feet away, no footprints of any kind in it. It was calling to him, especially as he thought of Miriam's wise suggestion from before. Since her first daily visit he'd been feeling much different than he had in years and...it felt good. He wasn't sure how long it would last...

He wanted to taste some more of that goodness. He wanted to feel like a child again.



And amazingly, it really was quite therapeutic.

****

During that same time, back at Miriam's residence, Angelica pulled her friend to the side, away from the guys to share some new juicy gossip with her.



They giggled like teenagers after the revelation.



Then Miriam got serious and said, "You know...I've got some information you might find interesting."
"Oh?" Angelica anxiously inquired.
"Yeah. It's about Mr. Hodge."
"Oh really? Did you finally find out why he acts like the Grinch during this time of year?"
"No, but," she paused, "you know how we've always thought of him as this grumpy, old man?"
Angelica nodded.
"Well...after getting to know him a little better I don't think...he's really that old at all! Like...he's maybe only 10 years older than we are."
Angelica's brow furrowed. "Get out!"
"I'm serious!"
"How'd you come up with that conclusion?"



"Well," Miriam began, "we had a moment today where we were staring at each other and I noticed he doesn't have any facial wrinkles or any strands of white in his hair. He just looked...younger than I expected."
"Hold up," Angelica stopped. "You two were staring at each other?"
"Yeeeahh."
"And why was that?" she smirked.
Blushing she replied, "It's not what you think ok! It was one of those awkward moments...you know the kind."
"Mmm hmm," Angelica mumbled, observing. "Then why are your cheeks as bright as cherries right now?"
"Oh they are so not!!"
"Guuurrl they SO are!" she cried, playfully slapping her friend's shoulder. "Are you finally starting to indulge in some Chocolate?" She winked.



"Oh my gosh Angelica!" she cried with a gaping smile. "I'm not indulging in ANYTHING! I was just making an observation! Besides, I barely even know Mr. Hodge. He hasn't even told me his first name! And he's still a grump...which personality is totally not my type! So how is it even possible for me to be attracted to him? Especially with that hair!" she grimaced.

"Honey," Angelica began, "one does not need those kind of details to be attracted to someone. You know that! I mean, how many men have we picked up in the past at parties and bars who we didn't know from Adam and we still made out with them?"
Miriam lowered her head in slight shame over that reminder. "Ok, I see your point," she reluctantly said.
"Mmm hmm. So I don't care what you say girl! With you going around showing kindness to young Scrooge, apparently, and warming him up you are SO becoming the smitten kitten!"
"I am not!" Miriam declared, leaving the foyer.
"Yeah you just keep telling yourself that," Angelica called back to her.
"I don't need to..."

Whatever, Angelica thought with a snicker. She sure enjoyed teasing her bestie about guys. But then she thought deeper on the situation. Wait, WHY am I encouraging this? This IS Scrooge McHodge we're talking about. And him with Miriam? No way! In his DREAMS! I guess Miriam ISN'T smitten.

But then again why did it sure seem like in that moment she was?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


And because I have to be silly. 😁

I think Mr. Hodge is thinking something like this right now...
(Even if you don't like country music, give this a listen. 😊 One of my favorite songs by these guys!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii14_xErIoI

Thank you for the comments @lanlyn . I always look forward to getting them. 💗
90's country is the BEST! 🌟

---------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 5

December 19th

On this particular morning in Aurora Skies it was a clear and sunny winter day. However it was also accompanied by wind, that seemed to reduce the current low temperature outside to about 15 degrees lower! It was a biting cold and Miriam figured she better dress a bit more warmly when visiting Mr. Hodge today.

Before leaving she assured Ciro that she could go without him now as there wasn't anymore hostility coming from Mr. Hodge. Ciro expressed his uneasiness about letting her go alone, but when all was said and done he trusted her. Besides it wasn't like she didn't have a phone to call for help or that she wasn't one of the fastest runners around.

After arriving on Mr. Hodge's property and knocking on the door, it took a bit longer for him to answer. Miriam prayed he would soon as the freezing wind was already started to penetrate through her coat and pants. She gripped the center of her coat and squeezed the seam together to help keep in the warmth better.

Mr. Hodge finally opened the door with a smile on his face and stepped out to greet,
"Good morning to you Miriam."
"Good Morning Mr. Hodge," she replied, shivering a bit. Her nose felt frozen.
"Whew!" he breathed, "this wind is terrible! I'm glad you wore something warmer this time around."



"Indeed," she agreed. "Happy December 19th Mr. Hodge," she said, holding the gift out to him."
"Thank you again," he said, with an even brighter smile.
She smiled, blushing in return.



"Well," she began, unable to handle the cold any longer. "I better be going. This wind is nasty! I really hope you like the gift."



"Wait!" Mr. Hodge stopped her. She looked upon him curiously. "I," he started, scratching at the back of his head. "I...uh...sorta have something for you too." And he went back inside his house.

What!? Miriam tried desperately to keep her mouth from falling! This was quite...surprising! For a moment she thought this was a dream!

Mr. Hodge quickly returned before her with a very nicely wrapped present. Miriam held her hand to her heart, unable to believe it.
"Here," he said, placing it into her hand for her. "It's not much but..."
"Oh Mr. Hodge," she happily said, "I know I'll love it no matter what! Thank you!"



She gently shook it a bit. It was always the natural thing for her to do when trying to guess what's inside a present.



"Careful," Mr. Hodge cautioned. "It's quite fragile."
"Oops! Sorry..."

Carefully she tore off all the wrapping - to which Mr. Hodge threw away in the trash can like she always did for him - and removed the lid. When she beheld what was inside, her heart skipped a beat and for a moment, she was breathless.

Inside held a piece of ice, shaped like a snowflake, resting on a bed of cotton balls. She glanced up at the man with glistening eyes as if to ask, Where did you get this?

"It's from the lake," Mr. Hodge answered, motioning with his head toward the falls. "I found it on the bank's edge all shaped like that when I went ice fishing yesterday. Thankfully I was able to break it off without it shattering into pieces, but it was such a unique and beautiful formation that," he paused nervously, "it made me think of you."

Any chill Miriam felt from the biting wind was long gone now, as Mr. Hodge's thoughtful gift and sweet words created a deep warmth within her. Her blushing cheeks certainly thawed out her face. "It is beautiful," she expressed. "I love it! Thank you!" She wanted to hug him, but it was too soon for that.

Giving off a gratified smile, Mr. Hodge then folded his arms as a burst of wind slammed upon them both. "Brrrr!" he shivered. "Would you like to come inside for a bit? We need to get out of this cold!"
Eyes widened, Miriam replied, "Sure. I mean...Yes! That would be wonderful!" He's actually inviting me inside! That's a double miracle in one day! She tried not to squeal. I guess it's a good thing Ciro didn't come with me...

The inside of Mr. Hodge's home looked about as Miriam always expected it would. Very open like a warehouse, a single fireplace in the center, a metal floor, a tiny bathroom, and furnishings that clearly came from large trash cans and the dump over the years. But even so, it felt humble. Nothing dangerous or worrisome stood out in the open so that was good. It seemed there was more normal in Mr. Hodge than everyone thought.

He beckoned her to take a seat on the sofa with him as he offered her a cup of coffee.
"Thank you," she expressed, taking a light sip as she sat down.

For the next several minutes they made small talk, sipping down every last bit of coffee in between, then resting the empty cups on the floor beside the couch.

Then there ensued an awkward silence if there ever was one, Mr. Hodge kicking himself for inviting such a lovely woman into a dump like this especially at a time when it reeked of freshly gutted fish!



He couldn't hold it back any longer...but not first without saying, "Please forgive the smell. I'd open a window but..."
"It's alright," Miriam assured. "I understand."
He nodded, but then shook his head. "Gosh I never thought I'd end up like this..."
Carefully Miriam glanced over at him, hoping her gaze would encourage him to go on. There was just so much more she wanted to know about him.

"It all happened 13 years ago," he began, "this Christmas Eve."
"When what happened?" Miriam gently encouraged.
There was a pause. "The beginning of the end of my life."

****

"It's okay," Miriam assured, sensing his great hesitation. "You can tell me. I promise what you say will be safe with me Mr. Hodge."
The man glanced over at her appreciatively and then, with a deep sigh, began his story.

"We were so young back then, my wife and I. So deeply in love and ever so naive to the realities of life; the sorrow and disasters it can throw out at you without any warning that change everything. The kind of pain and tragedies everybody is aware of, but no one believes will actually happen to them."
Miriam's brow furrowed.
"Her name was Ayana," he continued, "the kindest most elegant woman to ever grace this Earth. My dear Ayana...we met during her first year of college. I never attended college...but I worked in the cafeteria there and...that's how we met." He smiled. "Neither of our parents approved of our courtship, but we eloped anyway. They practically disowned us, Ayana's parents especially when she decided to not finish school to run away with me."
Miriam frowned.



"We settled here in Aurora Skies, hundreds of miles away from our parents, ready to take on the world together. Oh it was the most joyous of times. We couldn't get enough of each other. And we were the homebody type, didn't get out much, basically because we were introverts, but mostly because we felt that all we ever needed was right there in each other and...in many ways it was true."
Miriam smiled.
Mr. Hodge then lowered his head, studying his fingers tightly woven together upon his lap. "It took a while for her to secure a good job as she was the main breadwinner," he chuckled. "That woman didn't want it any other way. I just did home repairs on the side to stay busy. Then one day, after trying for two years, she tells me she's pregnant. It was the happiest day of my life since we married," he said with a choke.

"Aww. This is such a beautiful story," Miriam finally spoke, "but Mr. Hodge, what does this have to do with--"
"Just," he addressed her sharply, "let me finish."
Miriam consented.



"Months passed...we found out we were having twins."
"Oh wow!"
"Yeah! We had no clue how we were going to support and take care of two kids without help from family, but...we knew we could do anything...together."
Miriam smiled. What a joy it was to see this side of Mr. Hodge that she never could've imagined was there.
"The doctor's had her due date set for February 25th. But," he stopped, gulping. Hesitating again. "She began bleeding heavily just two months prior."
Heart sinking, Miriam didn't like where this was going.

Now Mr. Hodge was really struggling to get the words out. "I...ran her to the ER. Once we arrived...there were so many...complications...and it all happened so fast." He squeezed his eyes shut.
"Mr. Hodge..."
"They had to deliver the babies immediately so she had an emergency c-section, there was no time for pain killers. I'll never forget...her screams..." His eyes welled up with tears.
Miriam lowered her head.
"Our babies were taken to whatever that place is called upstairs as I did my best to comfort my dear Ayana. But she started bleeding out and the surgeons kicked me out of the room! The last thing I said to her was...'It'll be ok.'" He wiped at his eyes. "About a half hour later they came out to tell me they did everything they could, but...she was gone." He shook his head.
"Oh Mr. Hodge..."
"So instantly I ran upstairs to find our babies." He spoke with an angered look of determination in his eyes. "They were a boy and a girl. Tate and Tia we named them. The most beautiful little babies you ever did see...struggling to hold onto life."
You gotta be kidding me, Miriam thought. Don't tell me they didn't...
"I don't remember the complications they had," Mr. Hodge went on, "but Tate died an hour after his mother and...Tia followed another hour after."
Miriam held her hand to her mouth.
"So there it happened...everyone in my life, my whole entire world, taken away from me in a matter of hours...on Christmas Eve night."

Miriam lowered her hand from her mouth and gently placed it on his leg. "I am so so sorry Mr. Hodge! I," she choked, "I can't...I can't even imagine!" Tears welled up in her eyes.
"CHRISTMAS EVE NIGHT of ALL nights!" Mr. Hodge shouted, throwing his hands into the air. "God is a cruel one Miriam! And I've cursed Him ever since!"
Miriam certainly couldn't blame him for that.
"I thought," he said, the tears rolling down his cheeks, "that I would be going home the next day, with my beautiful wife, both of us carrying the greatest gifts one could ever receive on Christmas, but NO! I lost EVERYTHING that Christmas!"



"So that's why you hate Christmas," Miriam silently uttered. "It's totally understandable now Mr. Hodge!"



"But it goes DEEPER than that!" he stressed. "It's not Christmas itself that I hate, it's just that it reminds me of my painful and ultimate loss!" He sniffed, holding his hand to his heart. "It reminds me of what could have been..."

And with that, Mr. Hodge buried his face deep into the palms of his hands and sobbed. Sobbing harder than he ever had since that fateful day. Miriam never witnessed such a breakdown from a man, especially...a man like him.
"That's why I can't celebrate it," he spluttered to Miriam, "I never want anything to do with it. It's just too painful!"
"Oh Mr. Hodge," Miriam cried, instinctively reaching out to him and pulling him in for a tight hug. She allowed him to drift down and lay upon her lap as he continued to sob and she stoked his arm. "It'll all be ok," was the only think she could think to say. "Just let it all out. That's right. You'll feel much better...I promise."

But all the while she just shook her head, unable to fathom such a tragedy. It was clearly the saddest story she'd ever heard in her life.

****

Many minutes passed as the two friends held each other close on the couch, Mr. Hodge finally able to find his breath again. Miriam's festive dress was soaked in his tears.

"So what happened after that?" she asked, breaking the silence. "What happened to where you ended up here in this warehouse?"



Mr. Hodge hoped she wouldn't ask, but since he already told her everything else. "Well," he started, "As I mentioned earlier Ayana and I were young, and stupid really, and didn't have much money. It never even crossed our minds that...well...you know. So we didn't have any life insurance plans."
"Oh..."
"So," he sighed. "Between hospital bills and funeral expenses...I had to sell everything I owned to pay for it all. Even our house..."
Miriam shook her head.
"After that I left for the big city. Tried to find a job, but didn't have any luck so I just lived and begged on the streets."
"That must've been rough."
"It was. And finally I got fed up with it. So, I decided to return back here, expecting a 'welcome back' or some help from at least ONE person in this place, but...nope."

Miriam sat up to look at him. "Seriously?"
"Yup. No one was there for me when Ayana and the twins died, except her doctor, so I don't know why I expected anyone to notice that I'd returned. I was just hoping..."
Miriam was awestruck.



"That created a bitterness towards the people in this town that's stayed with me to this very day, as you well know. I figured that since none of them seemed to care about me, I wasn't going to care about them." He shrugged. "So I did what I had to do to survive. Alone. Contemplated suicide even, until I found my way into this warehouse and...here I am," he said, almost with a hint of regret it seemed to Miriam.

"Look Mr. Hodge," she said, turning to fully face him now. "It may not be my place to say anything because I certainly could never, ever be able to fully understand what you've endured, but," she paused, "you sure allowed all that pain and hatred to consume you. So much to the point that it turned you into someone you never wanted to become."
Mr. Hodge struggled to meet her gaze.
"And I totally get it, I'd be upset with the people in this town too for not giving a darn about me when my family died and the world came crashing down, but...even you yourself said that you and your wife were pretty much homebody's and didn't get out much right?"
There was a slight nod.
"So...did it ever occur to you that maybe people thought they weren't close enough to you to offer help? Or felt comfortable enough to be there for you in such an hour of need?"
There was a hesitant shake of his head.
"Now granted," she went on, "that doesn't excuse the fact that someone should've tried to show some care and reached out to you, but...you sure quickly made up your mind about them upon returning, when it could've just all been a giant misunderstanding, and...that negativity didn't do you any favors. Do you see what I'm trying to say?"
"Yeah," he nodded, honestly wishing she'd stop.
Miriam then put her arm around him again. "I just think that now is the time to look past all that Mr. Hodge," she said, "it's been too long. It's time to move on. To be that version of yourself again that you introduced me to today."

With that conclusion he gave her the most appreciative smile he'd ever given anyone. "It's Jaron," he said.
"What?"
"My name is Jaron."
Miriam grinned brightly. "Well...it's nice to meet you...Jaron." They both chuckled.



"Thank you for listening to my story Miriam," he went on to say. "I needed to talk about it more than I realized."

Miriam's heart began filling up with the greatest of joys. A real life Christmas miracle was beginning to happen and it seemed so...unreal.

"You're very welcome...Jaron."

****

The evening, not too long after Miriam left, Jaron threw himself into the freezing lake water in his backyard. He swam many strokes under the light of the Northern Lights.



Mostly it was to cool himself off from feeling so flushed from revealing what he did to Miriam...

...or perhaps it was more of a baptism from his former self.

Either way, he sure felt great afterward!



She's right. It's high time for a change!



😁

----

I don't know what influence Brooks & Dunn has had on me lately, but...here's another accurate song to end this chapter off with. 😜

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCQQt5lVF28