-Mandy's Apartment; Christmas Day-
Mandy and Faith were in front of the Christmas tree. Faith's eyes shone with excitement.
"Are all these for me?" she asked.
"Most of them." Mandy answered
There was a knock on the door. Mandy went to the door and opened it. Monica and Andrew stood there, both holding a stuffed animal each.
"Merry Christmas, Mandy." Monica said.
Mandy smiled. "Merry Christmas to you, too." She said. She stood aside. "Please. Come in."
Monica and Andrew entered the apartment. They followed Mandy into the living room where they happily presented the stuffed animals to Faith.
"Merry Christmas, Faith." Andrew said
"Merry Christmas." Faith echoed.
Andrew and Monica watched as Faith, with Mandy's help, tore open all the presents. But no one could help notice that each rip of wrapping paper, and each squeal of delight, was weaker than the last. Monica looked at Andrew, who nodded to tell her that soon it would be time for Faith to go home.
When all the presents were finished, Faith was lifted from her wheelchair and placed on the floor amongst the presents, where she soon fell asleep among them.
Andrew, Monica, and Mandy sat and talked for an hour or so. Monica looked at the tree as Faith began to cough in her sleep.
"Oh. Andrew, look!" she said, but when she turned, Andrew was no longer sitting next to her. He was kneeling on the floor, beside Faith, and he had begun to glow slightly. Faith opened her eyes, still coughing, and looked at Andrew.
"It's time to go home, Faith." He said.
Faith nodded and took Andrew's hand. Monica and Mandy looked on, both with tears in their eyes.
"Andrew," Mandy said, "Can I say goodbye first?"
Andrew nodded. Mandy knelt by Faith's side.
"Goodbye, little baby." She said.
"Mandy," Faith said, "Will-will you sing m-me the last verse of A-Away in a Manger?"
"Of course, baby." Mandy said.
"Be near me Lord Jesus
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to Heaven
To live with Thee there."
By the time Mandy finished the song Andrew had taken Faith home. Mandy sat on the floor crying. Monica sat beside her. Mandy laid her head on Monica's shoulder and cried.
Monica looked back at the Christmas tree. Atop the tree, rested a charred, brass star.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:7