The day had been filled with happy chaos, laughter and joyful celebration, but tonight things were quiet. A silent night, like the song.

Just hours before, Oliver and Grace had tucked Annie into her bed (the one that was as plush as marshmallows and clouds) and kissed her goodnight. She'd

fallen asleep almost instantly, Sandy by her side. But now she was awake, trying to focus in the darkness. Perhaps she'd had another nightmare, of the way

things used to be, when she lived in the orphanage with Miss Hannigan. She knew there was nothing at all to be afraid of. Miss Hannigan was gone and was

never coming back. Annie had a loving family and a home. But something didn't feel right.

As quietly as possible she climbed out of bed, careful not to disturb Sandy, who was sleeping on the floor. She smiled at him, hoping that his dreams were happy.

"Merry Christmas, Sandy", she whispered.

Wearing her brand new robe she crept down the huge spiral staircase, hoping that no one had seen her. The last thing she'd want to do was to bother Oliver,

Grace or any of the staff; especially on Christmas night.

When she reached the living room, the plush chair in the corner beckoned to her. She climbed in it, content to gaze out of the enormous floor to ceiling window

at the snow that fell in drifts. She'd never seen snow before; Miss Hannigan wouldn't allow it. At the first sight of a snowflake, Miss Hannigan made certain that

the windows were covered with sheets, preventing the orphans from even a glimpse of it. But it didn't stop Annie and others from talking about what it must be

like. However, the snow falling outside was more beautiful than she could have imagined.

Beside the window stood the Christmas tree that seemed to be taller (and shinier) than the Chrysler Building. Beneath the tree, the unwrapped presents sat

waiting for their owners to put them to good use. The crumpled paper sparkled beneath the lights of the tree, giving the room a magical glow.

She snuggled further into the chair, warmed by the fire in the fireplace, wondering what she had done to deserve something so wonderful.

"Hey, I thought you were in bed!"

She jumped at the sound of Oliver's voice and then froze as she turned around. He was walking toward her in the dark. She couldn't see his face, but she knew

he must be angry. She had no business being downstairs in his living room in the middle of the night. Slowly she climbed off the chair and stood facing him, still

unable to see his face clearly.

"I-I'm sorry, Daddy Warbucks. I-I was just-."

When he came closer, she saw that he was smiling. "It's all right. I was just about to come upstairs and check on you."

"I-I'm sorry." She said again.

"Hey, it's all right. I didn't mean to scare you. I didn't expect to find you down here."

Annie sighed. "I know…"

"Everything all right?"

"Oh yes, it's wonderful. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me. The presents, a home, the wonderful food…" But her voice trailed away and

she lowered her eyes to the floor.

"What's wrong, hon?"

"Nothing… I'm fine. I'm… happy!"

"Well, I may be a millionaire but that doesn't look like a millionaire daughter's smile."

"I'm sorry."

He touched her chin. "Hey, stop being sorry. If I've done something to upset you, I want you to tell me, okay?"

"Nothing, I promise. It's not you."

"Then what is it?"

Annie was silent for a moment. "Daddy Warbucks, I know it's wrong, but I was thinking about my parents."

Oliver nodded. "Oh, I see…"

"I'm sorry."

"Hey… Stop being sorry. You've done nothing to be sorry for."

"I know, but…"

"What is it?"

"Are my parents really… dead?"

Oliver sat down in the large plush chair and pulled Annie into his lap. She snuggled against his warm robe, hoping he hadn't seen the tear that trickled down her

cheek.

"I'm afraid so."

"Oh…"

"Hey, look. Don't ever be afraid to miss them, or talk about them."

"But I didn't know them. And I don't know why they abandoned me. Why didn't they want me, Daddy?"

Instead of answering, he held her close and let her cry into his robe.

"It's all right." Oliver said, his hand moving in circles around her back. "Just let it out."

When she was all cried out, she lifted her head. She started to apologize again, but she didn't want to make him mad.

"Look, your parents loved you. I can't tell you why they left you, but they wouldn't have given you that locket and you wouldn't have kept it all these years."

Annie touched the locket that still hung around her neck. "It's not the same anymore."

"No, I suppose not. But maybe this will help."

Oliver climbed out of the chair and went to the Christmas tree. When he returned he was holding the blue box from Tiffany's.

Annie gasped. "Oh…"

"Remember this?" Oliver untied the white ribbon and lifted the lid, revealing the most beautiful gold and silver locket that Annie had ever seen.

Annie's fingers trembled as she removed the locket from the box and looked at it; really looked at it. "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

"Turn it over." Oliver instructed.

On the back were the words "With Love from Daddy Warbucks, Christmas 1933". Tears filled Annie's eyes and looked at Oliver.

"I hope those are tears of happiness." He laughed.

"Oh they are. I'm so happy. I just hope that my friends find homes half as wonderful as this one!"

"You can count on it. Next week, I'll start working on a plan to find homes for all of your friends at the orphanage and y'all can visit each other anytime you like."

Annie's face lit up even brighter than the tree. "Really?"

"I promise."

She threw her arms around him. "I love you, Daddy Warbucks! I love you so much!"

"I love you so much too, Annie."

She snuggled against his robe and closed her eyes. When she woke some time later, it was light outside. The snow was still coming down and her eyes widened.

The world looked like a winter wonderland.

"Daddy Warbucks! Look!"

But he didn't answer; for he was sound asleep in the chair, holding her in his arms. She thought about climbing down, and going to sleep in her own bed. But

instead she grabbed a nearby throw and put it around their shoulders.

She looked at her locket again and smiled, running her finger over the smooth gold and silver inscription. She couldn't wait to spend the rest of her tomorrows

with Daddy Warbucks.

THE END