UPDATE: Thrilled to share this story placed 12th!
Here is my entry for Susannah’s 13th Annual Holiday Contest! Go here to read all the amazing entries!!
Always Worth the Wait
By Nicole Loos Miller
246 words
Rosie and Birdie snipped another link from their countdown chain. It felt like forever ago that they’d pasted the twenty five pieces of paper together.
“Only three more days!” They squeaked in unison. “We’re not ready!”
They painted pictures of reindeer and snowmen to hang on the walls.
“So he’ll know we’re excited,” explained Rosie
“So he’ll see we’ve been thinking about him,” added Birdie.
Their parents grinned.
“Two more days!” Rosie and Birdie screamed the next day. “We’re not ready!”
They cleaned their rooms and organized their shelves.
“So he won’t trip on anything,” explained Birdie.
“So he’ll feel comfortable and at home,” added Rosie.
Their parents beamed with pride.
“One more day!” Rosie and Birdie’s eyes grew wide.
They rolled and cut out sugar cookies, decorating them with care.
“So he’ll have a sweet treat,” said Rosie.
“And won’t go hungry,” added Birdie.
Their parents wiped crumbs from their chins with a wink.
That night, the girls snuggled under their blankets. “We’re ready,” they whispered. “He’s going to be so surprised.”
In the morning, glistening snow covered their neighborhood.
“It’s beautiful,” said Rosie,
“But will he still be able to make it for Christmas?” Birdie asked quietly.
Their mom smiled,, a gleam in her eye.
Just then, the front door opened. Rosie and Birdie threw their arms wide:
“GRANDPA!” they shouted with glee, wrapping him in a big hug.
“My girls!” He replied, with a tear in his eye. “You’re always worth the wait.”
Nicole Loos Miller 