As Nancy packed the last box, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. The movers were expected to arrive imminently, eager to usher her and her daughter into a new chapter of their lives. She glanced out the frosted window, pulling her cardigan tighter. Just as she busied herself with the final details, her daughter, eight-year-old Rose breezed in, shaking off the snow from her dress.
“Where had you been in this frigid weather?” Nancy gently scolded, the tone of her voice reflecting a mother’s concern. “What if you catch a cold right before Christmas? That wouldn’t be any fun, would it?”
“I was at Tresa’s house! I had to let her know that if Santa left my gift on our doorstep, she should hold on to it for me. Santa wouldn’t know that we’re moving, would he?” Her daughter’s simple yet poignant question cut deeply into Nancy’s heart.
With each passing year, the Christmas tradition of excitedly awaiting Santa’s arrival had become a cherished highlight for Rose. However, this year was clouded by her father’s absence, the Secret Santa of Rose. He had lost his battle with lung cancer just months ago. The weight of this loss hung heavily in Nancy’s heart as she gathered boxes filled with memories, transitioning from their familiar two-bedroom apartment to a more modest place—one that could ease the financial strain. In the face of it all, she needed to don the Santa hat this Christmas.
“And what gift have you asked Santa to bring you this year?” Nancy inquired gently, despite her underlying anxiety about their circumstances. Rose rolled her eyes.
“Mom, I asked for seven wax crayons in all rainbow colors, a blank sheet of white paper, and a really good drawing pencil,” Rose shared her modest yet specific wish. Nancy felt a profound sense of relief as she let out a soft sigh at the simplicity of her daughter’s request.
“And what masterpiece do you plan to create with these wonderful gifts from Santa?” Nancy continued, her heart lifting a bit.
“I’m going to draw a rainbow on the paper with all seven colors, and…”
“And what else?” Nancy gently prompted, playfully tapping her cheeks.
“It’s a secret! You’ll have to wait until I finish my drawing to find out! But, Mom, do you think Santa will take the gifts back if he sees that the house is locked?” Rose’s face fell slightly.
“Not at all,” Nancy reassured her. “Santa knows where you are, and he’s not going to forget you, I promise.”
On the morning of Christmas Day, the sight of a gift-wrapped box filled Rose with joy. “Mom, Santa found us!” she squeaked, as Nancy approached to help her open the package.
As Nancy pulled away the wrappings, Rose’s eyes sparkled when she discovered the set of seven wax crayons carefully arranged in the colors of a rainbow. Setting the blank sheet of paper on the newly organized table, she began to create a remarkable rainbow, her careful attention to the bands impressive for such a young artist.
Calling for her mother, Rose’s voice broke through Nancy’s focused determination as she continued to unpack boxes and organize their new living space.
“Mom, come quick! You have to see my drawing!”
Nancy marveled at the sight before her. Near the top of the paper, Rose had expertly sketched a grand rainbow, brightly colored and reaching across the page; beneath it, her daughter had drawn an intricate ladder, stretching high to the vibrant arch above.
“What’s the meaning behind this ladder, my little artist?” Nancy asked, her voice lifting as she fought back a chuckle.
Rose explained, “That day, I cried watching my classmate Sara’s dad hugging her. My teacher hugged me and said that my Daddy is among the seven colors of the rainbow, hiding inside and watching me. He would be sad to see tears in my eyes.” The little girl took a quick breath as Nancy heard her in awe. “ I thought I could reach him if I climbed this ladder.”
In that moment, Nancy’s heart filled with a brew of emotions—a mixture of profound sadness, love, and her daughter’s innocent hope. Wordlessly, she drew Rose into her arms, enveloping her in a warm embrace, feeling the weight of their losses but also the strength of the love that still bridged the gap between them and the cherished memories they held dear.