Chapter 15: Songs of the Season - 2034

"Ima? Are you ready to go?" seventeen-year-old Anthony walked the short hallway to his mother's office.

"Almost," Ziva replied as she clicked send on the e-mail she wrote to her friend from her college classes. Khalia had just moved to Arizona with her family a week after the Thanksgiving holiday. Ziva did not envy her on having to move during the holidays, but at least the Army had packed out the house and shipped their belongings.

"I'll drive as long as you don't mind riding in my truck," the teen offered. "After all, you've been the driver every year since we started the caroling when I was seven."

"That is fine; let me get my coat. Is LJ coming with us?"

"He sent a text that he and Grandpa are still busy helping set up the winter art show at the Center," Anthony helped his mother with her coat, not that she needed it, but he'd learned from his Abba how to be the gentleman. Outside, he opened the truck door for her and offered his arm to help her climb in.

Ziva patted her son's cheek as she climbed the step into the truck, "So like your Abba."

Anthony blushed, "I try…"

At all of the three nursing homes the pair visited, Anthony and Ziva warmly greeted the residents who assembled in the dining room, recreation room, or game room. Three of the old people at the last home had been at the very first caroling the mother-son duo had done. One woman had a picture from that first year with herself, Ziva, and Anthony all smiling in their elf hats.

"I remember every year," Mrs. Jenkins hugged Ziva and then Anthony. "You were such a cute little boy and now you are a handsome young man. Ziva, you must be proud of your son!"

Anthony grinned, "Well my voice has changed for sure! Back then I was a soprano to Ima's rich alto; now my baritone contrasts with her voice well."

Mr. Abernathy, another of the long-time attendees, winked at the teen, "Your mother has one of those sultry alto voices that men swoon over; she can sing to me any time!"

Anthony swore his Ima blushed as she replied, "Toda; I will not tell Tony though."

"Where is Tony? Is he here?" Mrs. Jenkins looked around for the DiNozzo patriarch. "Are any of the others here or just you two?"

Ziva reached over and squeezed the old woman's hand, "Tony is busy with the afterschool basketball league for the middle school kids. LJ is with his grandfather setting up the winter art show; Tali is living on her own now and at Georgetown University. Riv and Beth are at a gymnastics meet with the high school team. Anthony and I were the only two free today. We will still sing your favorite, though."

Ziva stepped to the front of the group, "Greetings everyone. It is hard to believe that it was ten years ago today that Anthony and I first came here with my campus Honor Society to sing for you. Many changes have occurred over the years, but the songs of the season are a constant tradition. We shall start with The Twelve Days of Christmas; feel free to join in with any of the songs." She looked to her son and nodded to begin.

Mother and son sang several more holiday songs, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer which earned a delighted clap from Mrs. Jenkins. She sang along with her favorite and smiled a huge smile as Anthony wheeled her around the room as they sang.

"One more before we go; our usual closing carol," Anthony announced before he and his Ima sang Silent Night in the original German. The third long-time attendee, Mrs. Baumann, had been quietly listening to the songs. A stroke six months prior had left her non-verbal. Anthony looked over at the old woman and noticed tears in her eyes. He approached her as they sang and knelt in front of her wheelchair. He placed a hand on her folded hands, getting her attention.

As the carol ended, Mrs. Baumann slowly raised her hand to Anthony's face, "Th-th… oo." Ziva had to turn away to wipe tears from her own eyes. Anthony hugged the old woman.

"Fröhliche Weihnachten, Frau Baumann," he whispered.

He stood to applause from the residents and staff who were gathered to watch the performance. Ziva wrapped an arm around her son and pulled him into a hug. Anthony grinned and wiped at his eyes.