Santa Buddy
Artist: Michael Bublé
AN: This is a male twist on a classic. If you've not heard it, take a listen.
Twenty-year-old Ferb was in his apartment, putting together the artificial Christmas tree he inherited from his grandparents; no one else wanted it. The poor old thing was thin in places with two branches missing and a significant crack in the trunk.
Once the tree was assembled, Ferb opened up the box of ornaments that came with the artificial tree. He brought out a glass bobble and looked at it, there was a small crack in the centre; but it wasn't broken. He attached a hook and placed it.
With each ornament he placed he recalled a memory from his childhood, some happier than others. The little red cardinal used to have a little blue bird as a mate, but the blue one fell to the ground and broke one year when Candace accidentally bumped into the tree.
Once all the ornaments were placed, Ferb stood back and frowned. There used to be so many more. It always seemed that the tree was fully decorated. Maybe other family members were given some of Grandma and Grandpa Flynn's ornaments.
Ferb went into what passed for his apartment kitchen to make himself a bite to eat.
The microwave beeped and the telephone rang simultaneously. Ferb glanced at the phone and the chrome appliance on the countertop. He answered the phone. "Hello?" He smiled when he heard the voice on the other end of the line. "I'm glad you rang, love. I'm looking forward to seeing you next week." He told her, then frowned when she said wasn't going to make it home for the holidays.
"I understand." He told her, "You need to spend some time with your family." He forced a smile that he hoped she could hear in his voice. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."
They spoke a while longer, making a promise to spend time together, just the two of them, for New Year's Eve.
Ferb replaced the phone to its charger and looked at the thin, sad Christmas tree in his living room. I hope you're able to come home soon.
End AN: Stay tuned for 'Coffee Talk' Ch 178: Christmas 2017. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from my family to yours.
