Three years ago only a small light appeared from her window on the night of Christmas Eve. Hidden underneath the layer of blankets, Victoria Knight was reading her favorite novel known as Alice's Adventure In Wonderland. When her quiet voice finished reading a paragraph, a man about in his early 30's was leaning against the girl's doorway. The gentleman had black hair with gray eyes and a tired expression on his face as he watched his daughter read.

"Time to go to sleep Victoria," he said with a voice that's rich and smooth.

Raising her head, bistre brown eyes stared at the man's dim gray eyes with a sad expression

"But father, I only have a few pages left," she pleaded.

"No Victoria."

"Please, father!"

"Victoria," said her father sternly. Taking a deep breath, he pinched the bridge of his nose as he attempted to calm himself from snapping at his daughter's disobedience. She's only a child, she doesn't know the stress he's going through right now, the man thought. Opening his eyes, he's met with a sight - his daughter's head tucked within the pages of her book.

"Victoria, I'm not going to repeat myself. You can put the book away by choice, or I'm going to take it away. It's your choice.

Hearing her father's sudden serious voice, Victoria realized she was in trouble if she didn't listen. Her father doesn't use that voice often, he's often stern, but never too serious when it comes to her actions. Father must be exhausted to use that tone with me, what happened before he arrived, Victoria wondered.

Closing her book, she sighed. "Yes, father."

"Thank you, my victor."

"It's nothing, Father, good-night."

Getting out her bed, Victoria put her book back in its original spot in her bookcase. She then started to clean her mess: papers stacked into neat piles, erasers in her small container, pencils in the pencil pouch, and clothing off from the floors - her room was orderly once again.

Watching Victoria, his eyes softened. The man walked toward his daughter and patted her head. He brought her into his arms and took Victoria to her bed. Tucking her in, before giving a kiss. "Good night, my champion. your mother would be very proud for her Victor listening to her mentor."

Mother, Victoria realized. His sad eyes, tiredness, and rare serious tone - Mother was the explanation. She stared at her father with a worried expression as he was just about to close her bedroom door. What happened to her mother for her father to act like this?

"Father, is Mother alright?"

Hearing those words, the man paused. His form turned rigid and tense with a pale, tight grip on the door knob. Deep breaths, he reminded himself as he spun around. His face showed nothing with his soft smile. But his eyes, those told the truth. With steel gray eyes, Victoria was dreading what could've caused her father's eyes to become like this.

Confusion, fear, and loss.

Her father was scared, and Victoria was utterly terrified.

Victoria, your mother is fine. Besides, didn't you make a wish to Santa? With your wish, I'm betting that she'll come home with a smile and arms ready their Christmas hug!"

Santa Claus? Of course, she'll be fine! She remembered sending a letter to Santa asking for her Mother's return in health, so she must be healthy again! Victoria was relieved, a smile graced her face at her mother's safety.

"Thank goodness! I can't wait for our Christmas hug!"

Hello, everyone!

So, I've returned after a long hiatus and I apologize. This story will be updated, but not regularly because of my busy schedule (graduation coming soon!). Please have patience and it will finish! Creative advice are well-love and please, no flames!