"Eh heheh, Hello everybody!" the Grinch said awkardly from atop the bag of stolen Christmas presents and Christmas trees. Putting down the horn he'd been blowing, he slid down and landed on his feet.

"Uh," the Grinch continued, taking off and twisting his Santa Claus cap. He'd never felt so nervous on life.

"It was me, I stole your christmas," the green-haired dog man admitted in a remorseful voice. He heard a few gasps of shock and saw several hurt faces, including Cindy Lou Who. Continuing to talk, he said, " And I did it because…because I wanted you all to feel the same way I felt when I was a boy during this holiday. Which was sad and miserable."

Whatever explanation the Whos were expecting to hear from the Grinch, it wasn't this.

"I thought you all were so cheerful and full of joy because of all this presents you had," the Grinch said, turning back towards the sleigh and motioning with his hands to the gifts.

"But now I see it's all the people you have that make you happy. I also realize that I didn't really hate Christmas, what I hated was having no one to celebrate it with."

Sighing deeply, he went on.

"Still, it was wrong for me to take my loneliness out on you, and I apologize, especially to you Cindy Lou," the Grinch finished walking up the the pig-tailed blonde child.

"You're a wonderful little girl, and I know you've got a wonderful mom. And I hope Santa does grant your wish. I'm so sorry for tricking you. Hey, C'mere Max!"

The Grinch motioned with his head for his dog to greet Cindy Lou, and the pooch obliged. He ran up to the child who influenced his master, got on his hind legs and licked her face, while she turned her head away and closed her eyes. The Grinch smiled for a moment, then his somber expression returned and he said, "Stay here and play with Cindy Lou for a while Max, I need to be alone in the cave."

With that, the green-haired former- grouch trudged sadly home, the crowd of Whos parting for him. . Max whimpered pitifully as he watched his master go. Cindy Lou first looked at Max, then the Grinch, and with a sympathetic look in the latter, realized she couldn't just let him retreat back into solitude.

"Hey mom," Cindy Lou spoke, getting her mother's attention. When her mom looked at her, Cindy motioned for Donna to bend down. Then she whispered something in her mother's ear, shocking her for a moment. But then Donna smiled sweetly and pulled away, saying, "That's a great idea honey! Go on and get him."

Cindy Lou hurried after the Grinch, who by now had exited Whoville entirely and was walking up hill back to Mt. Crumpit. She grabbed his hand, bringing him to an immediate stop. He looked at her and she said, "You've been alone long enough Mr. Grinch. You don't have to be alone anymore. Come celebrate Christmas with me and my family and friends."

The Grinch stared at her like she grew a second head.

"What? You would really…?"

"Yep."

"Even after everything I…"

"Uh hmm."

"I , I don't what to say."

"Say you'll come."

"But what about…"

"My Mom's good with it."

"But the other Whos, they must hate me."

Cindy Lou shook her head, then took the Grinch's hand and led him back into whoville, asking him if he saw any hateful stares. The Grinch looked carefully at everyone's faces, and only saw a mixture of pity and shock on them. Once he was back at the sleigh, Cindy asked, "Well?"

"You're right they don't hate me, they actually feel sorry for me."

"So does that mean you'll come?"

"Alright Cindy Lou, you win. Sure I'll spend this Christmas with your family."

"Great," Cindy Lou shouted.

"I guess I'd better go home and get ready then, huh?" the Grinch asked.

"Yes, you should," Cindy Lou answered.

"But before you do, let me give your Christmas present. Kneel down."

The Grinch did as she asked, then she grabbed his cheeks and kissed his left one for about five seconds. She let go and then said, "Come at dusk, so you won't miss anything at the party. Okay?"

The Grinch touched the spot where she smooched him, nodded numbly, and then in daze-like state started toward the Whoville entrance once again. Max happily followed.

The end. Who else thinks the Grinch should have just told the Whos the simple and honest truth about why he did what he did?