"Here we are, Michelle.", said Teddy's mother. "Honey, wake up. You're home." After such an emotionally draining event which had just occured earlier, Michelle was completely exhausted. Michelle looked up, and let out a huge yawn. "Thanks again for everything.", said Michelle. "Hey Michelle, I'm sure everyone would love to see you again this Sunday. Would you like us to pick you up for church? You could come to my Sunday school class.", said Teddy hopefully. "Sure. I'd love to, if Daddy will let me go. I hope he will.", Michelle said while slightly giggling. "Good night guys.", she said as she went to the front door. "Night!", they all called back.

"Hey Michelle.", said Joey as she entered the den. "Joey, where's Daddy. I need to talk to you, him, and Uncle Jessy for just a minute." "I'm right here, Michelle.", said Danny who appeared from behind the back of the sofa out of nowhere. "What are you doing?", asked Michelle. "Oh... I think Santa left some cookie crums on the floor. I was dusting the floorboards." "Give me a break.", said Michelle.

"Anyway, where's Uncle Jessy?" "He's already gone to bed. Looks like you had a really long night yourself, Michelle. You need to get to bed. Santa's already come, but you don't get your presents until the morning." "Presents are great,", said Michelle, "but I have something very important on my mind. If Uncle Jessy's in bed however, then I'll wait until the morning. Everything's fine. Don't worry." "OK, Michelle.", said Danny. "Good night, my little princess."

That night was extremely difficult for Michelle. She could not seem to drift off to sleep. She kept playing the night's events over and over in her head. She now had a new friend. - A very very beautiful friend who would never leave her, and would never forsake her... ever. "Thank you Jesus. Thank you for giving me life. I don't quite know what that means, Lord, but I do know this much. You're in full control, and for that, I thank you. Be with Mommy tonight, God. Let her know how much I love her. I miss her so much.", Michelle whispered quietly as her voice began to break. "Great! Now I'm going to cry again." Michelle wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. She closed her eyes, and before she knew it, she was fast asleep.

The next morning, Michelle awoke to one of her favorite smells... chocolate pancakes. "MMM! Good morning DJ.", said Michelle as she stretched, then walked into the kitchen. "Aa, Michelle. Good morning. You're just in time for breakfast. I made everyone homemade pancakes. Come have a seat, and I'll make you a plate. Dad! Joey! Uncle Jessy! Everyone, come in the kitchen. Surprise! I made breakfast!", hollered DJ so everyone could hear.

Once all were in the kitchen and had been served, Michelle brought everyone to attention. "Guys,", she said. "Before we open presents or anything, I need to talk to you all for a moment. I want to apologize for how I acted last night. Daddy, I'm sorry I ran out like I did. It was completely uncalled for. I know the night ended up being very nice, but I still shouldn't have reacted the way I did. I'm also really sorry for my smart comments I made about the food. That must have really hurt your feelings. I never meant to do so, if it did. I really am missing Mommy. I know that probably seems to have come out of nowhere, but I'm just really having a very hard time this year with the loss. Sadly, I took my sadness out on all of you. Not just you, Daddy, but DJ, and even you, Uncle Jessy. I'm truly truly sorry. I really am. Please forgive me."

Danny stood there totally in shock. Usually, if his daughters did anything wrong, they did their best until caught to try covering things up. Suffice it to say, this caught him way off guard. Danny knew however that her little speech had absolutely not been previously rehursed. He could tell she meant every sylible she uttered from the bottom of her heart. There was just something about the way she said it... he could tell... for he knew his daughters better than anyone.

"Michelle, that was extremely mature of you.", said Danny. "Yes, I agree.", said Jessy. "We all were very worried about you last night.", Stephanie said. "I know. I'm so sorry." "Don't mention it, munchkin,", said Jessy. "Listen Michelle.", he continued. "Your Mommy was my big sister, and I loved her very very much. And you know what? She loved you more than you ever will know. We all miss her like crazy, so I want you to know, shorty, you're not alone in this. Capiche?" "Michelle, I'm sorry you feel so sad. Is there anything we can do?", said Joey. "Not really. I'll be OK. If I need to talk, I promise I won't run out like that again. I'll come talk to you all. Cross my heart." "OK Michelle.", said Danny. "I love you." Danny reached out and pulled Michelle into a tight embrace. "I think Santa's been here." "Oh, goody!", said Joey. "Kid at heart.", whispered Danny through clenched teeth. "Um, Joey, I was talking to Michelle." "Oh, oops? Sorry."