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New Year’s Day 2020

The aroma of breakfast summoned Bryce to the Montes kitchen. Charles looked almost comical in his brightly striped pajamas and dark blue robe, but Bryce still didn’t dare to laugh because the man was huge.

“So, have you settled on any New Year’s Resolutions, Bryce?”

“Yes, sir. I’m going church hunting when we get home.”

“Amen to that. Anything else?”

“We’ll have to play that by ear.”

“Fair enough. How about you, Ronni?”

“I’m still working on last year’s. I’m going to keep hitting auditions until something gives.”

“Good for you, baby girl. I’m sure something’s going to turn up soon.”

“What about you, Daddy?”

“He’s going to cut down on red meat and start eating more vegetables.”

“Wow.” Bryce said. “You do a remarkable imitation of Marella.”

Charles laughed and said, “Yeah, that. I’m also saving up for a trip this year.”

“Any place in particular?”

“I haven’t decided yet. Probably a Caribbean resort or maybe a cruise.”

“Great, is Mommy going with you?”

“I haven’t decided that, either.” He flinched because he knew there would be a smack coming.

“Alright, Mister. No bacon for you.” Marella scolded him with a smile.

“I can’t believe it’s over.”

“What’s over, Ronni?” Her dad asked.

“The holidays.” She buttered her toast. “After today, everything just goes back to normal.”

“That reminds me.” Bryce said. “I’m going to have to order us up some tickets for tomorrow.”

“I’m going to cover that for you.” Charles said. “You were kind enough to see Ronni safely home on your own dime. We’re going to take care of the return trip.”

“Thank you, Daddy.”

“Thank you, Charles.”

“You’re very welcome, kids.”

New Year’s Day was filled with activities at church. They had a potluck dinner and everyone brought items they thought might be useful to the people who had suffered in the calamity in Times Square the night before. Bryce helped sorting the offerings and told the story of Veronica’s near misses to anyone who asked. The pastor prayed over the meal and the offerings, then everyone dug in.

Bryce was happier than he had been for years and he knew he had Veronica and her family to thank for it. This was the kind of church he wanted to find when he got to the city. He didn’t tell Charles but he had decided on a resolution to pop the question when the time was right. There was no way he wanted to let go of his miracle girl.

When they got home, they were all pleasantly worn out. It was a busy day but a fulfilling one. They had been part of something they could feel proud of. Now it was time to rest and reflect. Charles put on the Christmas music channel and lit a fire in the fireplace. They could just sit and listen to the music and the crackling of the burning logs.

“What are you thankful for?” Charles pumped his wife’s hand.

“I’m thankful that Ronni and Bryce were able to come home for the holidays. It’s good to get away from the busy, busy, busy now and again.”

“True, true.” Charles observed. “How about you, baby girl?”

“I’m thankful that I met Bryce even if I didn’t like him at first. I can’t imagine my life without him in it.”

“Same here.” Bryce said as he held her hand and stared at the fire. “How about you, Charles?”

“I’m thankful that your misfortune was actually a miracle in the making. It would have been just a tragedy that happened to other people. Sure, the church would have still gathered money and things to offer but it would have just been another bad thing that happens to good people. I truly believe that because of the love you have for each other, bringing that with you to the church and taking Pastor’s words to heart like you did; that was the Lord coming among us like he promised.”

“How’s that?” Bryce asked.

“The Gospel of Matthew says that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is there in the midst of them. You two going up to the altar to pray for Krampus after all the evil he’s been doing, that’s exactly what Matthew was talking about.”

“Amen.” Marella said, pumping her husband’s enormous hand.

“I’m gonna miss you two.” Charles said.

“There are a bunch of video conferencing sites. I was talking to my friend, Chad, the other day. He’s in England. Face to face like he was right there in the room with me. You don’t need to miss us or Luz. You can jump up on any screen any time.”

“Any screen?” Charles asked.

“Sure, phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, projector screens. Whatever.”

“Can you show me how to do that before you go back tomorrow? That would come in really handy at work.”

“Glad to do it, Charles.”

“Well, show me too. I don’t want to be left out of this futuristic stuff.” Marella said.

“He’ll show you both before we leave, Mommy. Don’t worry.”

“Who would have thought that a complete stranger would help our family and our church really come together this Christmas?” Charles marveled as he sat, holding his wife’s hand.

“He’s my miracle man.” Veronica said as she nestled her head on Bryce’s shoulder.

Bryce’s phone buzzed in his pocket. “Who can that be?” He pulled the phone out.

“What is it?” Veronica asked.

“Just a news notification.” He tucked it back in his pocket.

“What did it say?”

“I don’t know. It’s just a news update.”

“Well, don’t leave us hanging.” Veronica poked at him.

“Okay, I’ll check it.” He pulled his phone back out and checked the headline. “Krampus strikes again.”

“He must be well behind schedule if he’s still attacking people on New Year’s Day. Did they catch him?” Charles asked.

“Zuh, zuh, zuh, eluded police. No, seems like he gets to start over next year with the Lords a Leaping. I wonder if he’ll relocate to England. We don’t have any lords here.”

“That’s terrible. I thought for sure they’d get him this year.” Veronica said. “It was all well and good when he was just acting a fool. Now he’s been killing people. How could the whole ECPD and the Sentinels not catch him?”

“Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord.” Charles said sleepily. “Krampus is gonna get his. Just wait and see.”