A Christmas Tea Party

The top of the Christmas tree looked like Mount Washington to old Miss Henderson but she still climbed the chair and placed the angel in its proper perch. She wobbled her way down the chair, holding on for dear life. Once securely on the ground, she finished the tree off with some tinsel and lights. It looked like the ones she made when she was young, even though it was plastic.

She loved this time of year, the sparkling wrapping paper tied with twirling ribbon and the smile of ecstasy on the children’s faces as they tore the paper apart. Another part of the holidays that she loved was the music that played over all the shopping centers.

Miss Henderson opened a cardboard box, pulling out several stockings, one for each of her children and hung them on the wall near the tree, wishing her apartment had a fireplace. Each stocking had a name: Cindy, Mark, Emily, Mom and Dad.

It was Christmas Eve and she was growing excited for her children’s arrival. The sky had grown dark and a few snow flakes drifted against the pane. She stopped by the sink to fill up a tea kettle.

When she finished turning the stove on, a heavy knock fell on the door and it opened. Four people entered, three dressed in nurses outfits, two women and one man and an old gentleman dressed in a black sweater with a red reindeer on it.

"Hello Miss Henderson," said the younger male. One of the women nudged him with her elbow. “I mean, mom."

"How wonderful," Miss Henderson said, embracing each with a hug and giving the older man a kiss. His eyes grew with surprise. "I was hoping that you would miss the storm. Come in. Come in."

They entered and sat on her small couch; the older gentleman went for the rocker. The tea kettle gave out a sharp whistle.

"Oh, excuse me," Miss Henderson said, heading into the kitchen. "Can I get anyone a tea?"

"Sure," they answered.

When she left, the three took off their coats.

"What are we here for?" asked the younger male.

"Just pretend you're her son," said one of the nurses.

"She kissed me," said the older man still flabbergasted.

"You're her husband," said the other nurse.

"I am?"

"No. Just pretend to be."

Miss Henderson returned with a tray of tea. When she sat the tray down, the older man stood up and kissed her.

"Oh my," she yelped, "Now Walter not in front of the kids."

The five drank the tea, ate crackers and talked. After an hour the three nurses rose.

"Thank you mom but we have to get going. Merry Christmas," said the nurse playing Emily.

They stood giving their good bye hugs. They waved from the hallway, motioning for the older man to follow them.

"Come on Hurley," said the male nurse.

"Good bye kids," he replied, holding Miss Henderson around the shoulder and waving at them, closing the door. "Now what did you mean not in front of the kids."