Christmas Future

Tonight, Dec. 24, 2025 is a very festive Christmas Eve at Alan and Monica Quartermaine's house. As in years past, family and friends have gathered to spread a little Christmas cheer and down a little eggnog. But this Christmas has an extra something that makes it far more special than any in recent (and distant, for that matter) memory. This is a night to truly celebrate, a night to revel in pride for a victory hard fought and won by the family prodigal.

As the family takes turns making toasts, AJ reflects fondly upon those in attendance: His beautiful wife Hannah, who had always managed to not only see but also to bring out the best in him; Mother, who had once almost given up completely on her son but now beamed with pride; Alan, his dear father who understands too well AJ's battle with alcoholism and is overjoyed with AJ's status as Conqueror; Tracy, dear Aunt Tracy, who despite not exactly gushing with sentimentality, respects her nephew for his gumption and courage; his "almost-sister" Skye, who has always been there for him; and Cousin Ned, who no longer thought of AJ as simply the "Vice President In Charge of Paper Clips".

AJ comes back to reality just in time to hear the end of Monica's toast.

"And finally, let us remember, as we do every year, those who are no longer with us to share in celebrations such as this: Lila, Edward and Emily, this toast is for you."

AJ holds back tears as they all clink glasses together.

"AJ", says Alan, "I believe it's your turn."

"Thanks, Dad. Well, let me start by saying what I've said every year for over 25 years. I'd like to thank God for giving me a second chance, no – make that countless chances in this life that I have so often screwed up. I owe him everything."

Hannah kisses him on the cheek.

"Next, I just want to thank each and every one of you for the impact that you have had on my life. You're everything an ex-drunk could want in a family – encouraging, loving, supporting."

"Hey Junior", jokes Ned, "Hurry up, will ya? The turkey's getting cold."

"Don't you mean the Pizza, Nedly? But seriously folks, I had wanted to share a surprise with you, but since my own guest of honor isn't here yet, I guess that'll have to wait."

"Keep your shirt on, Pop", comes a laughing voice entering the room. "You knew I was tied up at the courthouse."

Michael Quartermaine walks in the room, much to everybody's pleasure. After hugs all around, he embraces his father heartily.

"Merry Christmas, Dad"

"And to you, Son", replies AJ. "I'm so glad you could make it."

"Care to make a toast, Michael?" asks Alan.

"You mean Dad's finished his toast already? Ha Ha…Oh my, and it's only 9:30!"

"Better watch it, Son; you know what Bill Cosby said…I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

"And I'm so glad you did, Pop. I guess that's where my toast begins. I just want to say again how much I value this family. The love, the support, everything. You know, I didn't know how real families were when I was being raised by Sonny. His words poisoned me against this family, and most of all, I am ashamed to say, against you, Dad." He turns to face his father. "I am so sorry, so very sorry."

"It's alright, Son, it's not your fault. We've never blamed you."

Michael regains his composure and addresses the family again.

"I guess that's how I'll end this toast thingy. I had no hope for a normal, loving future until my search led me not only to my Heavenly Father, but also to my earthly father and the family who loves me. Time after time, I have seen the love of God shine in my father. Friday night after Friday night, I have watched as he feeds the people at the homeless shelter and then led them in Bible study. Day after day, I have seen the Lord's impact on his life as he carries out even the most routine of tasks. I love you, Dad. Thanks for never giving up on me."

Father and Son embrace.

"Alright", says AJ, brushing back a tear, "enough of this sentimentality. It's time for my surprise, everyone."

"As you all know, the brilliant District Attorney Michael Corinthos has been nominated for Lawman Of The Year by the National Law Enforcement Society, for bringing down the biggest crime families on the Eastern Seaboard. But what you don't know, as he just found out this morning, is that he has won."

The room breaks into applause and demands of "Speech! Speech!"

"I appreciate it, but it was really nothing special," says Michael. "I saw a need and happened to be in a position to do something about it, so I did. Even though I was kept away from him until the age of 17, my father taught me so many valuable lessons, not the least of which was a love for justice and righteousness. I never saw justice and righteousness when I lived with Sonny. I saw a man who had to have the power, had to be in control. I saw a man who loved that power so much that he refused to give it up, even though it put my mother's life in danger, and ultimately cost her her life. At the moment my mother slumped to the ground after intercepting a bullet that was meant for Sonny, I knew my entire childhood was a lie. It was at that instant that I saw Sonny as the selfish monster that he really is. People have asked me if I brought down the families and even my own step-father Sonny out of a vengeful motivation. I've given that a lot of thought, and I can honestly answer no. I have seen so many people destroyed by Corinthos, even those who loved him, that I had to say "No More". As DA, I had to do something to stop him. I'm humbled but glad that God chose to use me in this way."

The lone figure stands outside the frosted window watching the jubilation taking place inside.

It's so cold out here, he thinks, and it looks so warm and so…so…joyous in there. Maybe I should just forget this whole thing.

But no, he's got his orders. He was lucky enough not to be implicated in the crimes for which his boss went to prison, and he knows what is expected of him. He knows that Corinthos had wanted AJ dead first and foremost.

But he had been struggling with that the entire 3 months since Corinthos had been sentenced. Why had he been unable to pull the trigger? Was he going soft, or was he just being disloyal?

"Enough of this", he says to himself as he raises his pistol and aims it at AJ's heart.

But then, out of the corner of his eye, he catches hold of a beautiful star shining in the east, pushing back the darkness that had enveloped him. It's the Christmas star, he thinks to himself, and then remembers the little candy cane and note that Michael had given him just before leaving Sonny's house for the last time.

There's been enough killing, enough death, he decides; now is the time for forgiveness.

Jason Morgan puts his pistol away and heads inside. He isn't sure exactly what they'll say, but somehow he knows they'll welcome him with open arms. Somehow he knows there's enough warmth and love in that room to last him a lifetime.