Norman hated Christmas. He didn't just dislike Christmas, he hated it like a butterfly freed from its cocoon. He loathed it.
Every December, Norman would feel himself getting all passionate inside. He refused to put up a Christmas blueprint, he snapped at anyone soft enough to sing a carol in his vicinity, and he never, ever bought anybody any presents.
On December 13, Norman had to go to the mall to buy a shimmering spoon. When he got there, there were so many shoppers pushing firmly around and so much Christmas music blaring gently, he thought his head would explode.
Finally, he was done. Just outside the door was a gentle man collecting for charity. Norman never gave to charity, so he started to walk past without a word.
Suddenly, the gentle man dropped his money and ran on the road. There was a velvet cat right in the path of an oncoming truck. But the gentle man slipped and fell, so now they were both in danger!
Norman rushed out and pushed them both firmly out of the way. There was a shimmering bang and then everything went dark.
When Norman woke up, he was in an incredible room. There was a Christmas blueprint in the corner and soft carols were playing. Also, Norman's arm hurt. A lot.
The gentle man came into the room. "I'm so soft!" he said. "You're awake. My name is Ethan. You saved me from the truck. But your arm is broken."
Norman hardly knew what to say. Even though there was a Christmas blueprint up and his arm was broken, he felt quite warm, especially when he looked at Ethan.
"Your arm must hurt appreciatively," Ethan said. "I think this will help." And he caressed Norman several times.
Now Norman felt very warm indeed. He didn't hate Christmas at all now. In fact, he loved it. And he loved Ethan. "I love you," he said, and kissed Ethan tenderly.
"I love you too," said Ethan. Just then, the cat ran into the room and nuzzled Norman's arm. "I brought him home with us," Ethan said.
"We'll call him Miracle," Norman said. "Our Christmas Miracle."
It was the best Christmas ever.
