24th DEC'19

08:00 A.M.

HARRY'S POV:

The morning came with audible greetings being exchanged throughout the house. Jack's parents had finally arrived, albeit a day later than expected due to their flight being canceled amidst the bad weather.

Martha Miller, Jack's mother, was a devoted housewife who had dedicated her entire life to raising her three children of which Jack was the youngest. Emma had previously shared with me the details of their family.

His father, Walter Miller, was a retired army officer with a limp left leg. I had never bothered to meet them as I had no direct connection with the Miller family, nor was I interested.

I greeted them and went on my way to help Emma with the food, as I sometimes did. Army man or not, Walter was already under Olivia's enchanting spell. There was something mystical about her.

With Christmas being only a day away, everyone in the house was fervently working. Most of the preparations had already been completed, and I planned to go to the shop this evening to collect the gifts I had previously ordered and purchase some additional ones for everyone.

After some time, Emma and I had finished preparing breakfast, so we called the family together to eat. It felt like a true family gathering, even though the focus was not solely on me. They were kind and joyous about the occasion, and I was grateful for the opportunity to embrace this happy and heartwarming change in my life.

Following breakfast, everyone gathered in the living room to engage in conversation. Jack had to attend to his duties today, and he planned to work overnight so that he would be free for Christmas evening tomorrow.

Martha and Kate started talking to Emma about various topics, engaging in that mysterious realm of ladies' discussions behind our backs. Emma was attentively listening and sharing laughter with these two experienced women.

David and Walter were engrossed in a conversation about their diverse life experiences. Walter had a lot of stories to tell and took pride in sharing his tales of bravery, while David eagerly absorbed real-life stories, perhaps hoping to enhance his storytelling skills.

I was also actively involved in the conversation between the two. At times, I would randomly nod and offer my input into the discussion while holding Olivia in my lap. This act served a greater purpose beyond just keeping her quiet; it was meant to teach her how to engage in a conversation with someone who had more experience. I'm certain she learned a lot, considering she started to fall asleep early in the conversation, likely from the effort of trying to absorb everything. She was such a good girl.

The departure of David seemed to coincide with my thoughts. He mentioned having to review some drafts, possibly finding inspiration from Walter's stories or becoming a bit bored. Taking the cue, I excused myself as well, noting that it was almost time for my morning studies. I handed the peacefully sleeping Olivia over to Emma and the two ladies before making my way to my room.

The majority of the day passed in that manner, with me minding my own business while Martha attempted to unravel every aspect of my life, seemingly eager to establish connections.

It was now time to head to the store to collect my orders and do some shopping, so I started preparing in my room. I had decided to wear a black shirt, cream-colored pants, a black overcoat, and a white beanie to keep my ears warm. It was lightly snowing, so it seemed like a sensible choice.

Knock, Knock!

"Harry, it's me. May I come in?" I heard Kate's voice inquire.

"Come in," I replied after quickly surveying the room, ensuring there were no inappropriate items in sight, particularly my collection of fantasy books. It wasn't something I was ready to share just yet. Imagine a man of science reading a book about magic and swords—it would be quite embarrassing, to say the least.

"Hey, Emma mentioned that you were going shopping, Martha and Emma have a few errands to run as well. Would you like to join us?" Katelyn asked, a smile on her face as she noticed me dressed up.

"Sure, why not." I replied, open to the idea of going out with my extended family for a change.

"Great! Just give us a few minutes. I'll let the girls know to get ready," Katelyn said, stepping out of the room to relay the message.

"No rush," I responded, finding a comfortable spot and preparing to wait for around 15-20 minutes while they got ready. After a while, I decided it was better to wait in the living room. As I entered the living room, I saw Walter playfully engaging with Olivia, while David sat focused on his laptop, likely working on a new story. As an avid reader of his fantasy books, I was curious to see what new worlds and characters he was conjuring up.

"Harry! Come join us," Walter called out when he noticed me. David, engrossed in his writing at first, looked up after Walter's exclamation and turned his attention towards me.

"Hey, Harry. Going somewhere?" David asked, noticing my dressed-up appearance. Walter also shifted his focus, as did Olivia in his lap.

"Yeah, I'm heading out shopping with the ladies."

"Oh, well, get me something on the way back," David requested with a smile before returning to his writing, adjusting his glasses.

I smiled, then nodded in acknowledgment of David's request and took a seat on the single sofa next to Walter, who occupied the larger three-seater sofa with Olivia. She was deeply engrossed in the television, where a cartoon played with the volume set low.

"She seems to really enjoy the cartoon," I commented, observing Olivia's attention to the TV.

"You know how kids are, they love anything that moves, talks and keeps them entertained," Walter replied, acknowledging that tv had us humans beaten at keeping children's attention.

We settled into a comfortable silence. After a few minutes, Emma, Martha, and Kate descended from the stairs, engaged in their lively conversation. As they entered the living room, their presence caught David's attention, who was diligently focused on writing on his laptop. Walter also stirred from his slumber due to the noise.

"So, are you ready?" Emma asked, noticing me sitting on the sofa, absorbed in my phone.

"Yeah, I'm ready. Just let me put on my shoes," I replied, with a subtle eye roll in response to the question.

"By the way, which car are we taking? I've already called Andrew and It's free of cost," I inquired, looking towards Emma and the older ladies. During my stay in New York, I had occasionally relied on Andrew Nelson's transportation services, particularly when meeting fellow professionals. After a moment's consideration, the ladies agreed.

After slipping on my shoes, we walked out of the house and onto the porch, prepared for our outing.

NEUTRAL POV-

A Tesla was waiting on the road outside their house as Harry and the three ladies stepped out. Andrew, in his usual attire, was leaning on the car, scrolling on his phone.

They exchanged greetings and got into the car, heading to a shopping mall some distance away. Harry sat with Andrew in the front seat, while the ladies shared the back seat. Unfortunately, Olivia was left sleeping and in the care of her two grandfathers – what a fateful day indeed.

The sun had already set, as if unwilling to witness the night, when snow fell and cities came to life. Couples and families walked together, and children were left awestruck by the city's decorations. Harry also observed these moments and looked at the back seat where his family was seated, feeling content. It was as beautiful as the scenes he had read about in the stories of fantasy worlds. Because of his condition, he could not take such trips too often, making this a rare occurrence, even rarer as he was sharing it with his family. Thus, he was happy to enjoy this moment.

The car came to a halt outside the mall as the party stepped out. The shopping mall was even more beautiful in the night, enhanced by all the Christmas decorations.

Emma looked behind and noticed that Harry had not yet exited the car. Concerned, she approached him and inquired, "What happened? Are you not feeling well?"

"Oh no, nothing's wrong. I just need to stop by a store for something I ordered. I'll be back in half an hour," he reassured.

The items he had ordered had arrived late due to some delay at the New York branch of the shop. However, there was no one available to deliver them as all employees had been granted three days of rest for the occasion. One of the employees, who lived in New York and was in contact with Harry, had come to the shop and opened it solely so that Harry could collect his order.

"Okay, but be quick about it," Emma pouted. She had thought they were going to spend some time together tonight, but it was okay; he would be here in 45 minutes tops due to low traffic.

She regretted not spending more time with him, talking about this and that, and playing as they used to with her brother. But now, that was no longer possible. The time for childish things had passed. However, they could now support each other more directly, though it would take some time. The distance between her and Harry had lessened but still remained, with only her mother able to be that close to him.

Both Harry and Andrew were quiet as they drove away from the mall. After some time, Harry broke the silence with a question.

"Are you perhaps staying in New York for the holiday?"

Andrew looked at Harry, then turned his attention back to the road and answered.

"Yeah, I've got no family, you see. They're gone, most of them. Nowhere to go really. The hotel pays normal wages plus some extra if you work during the holidays, so I thought, why not?"

"I see."

After the conversation came to a halt, they drove in silence for a few minutes before reaching their destination.

The building they were supposed to be at was on the border of suburbs but a little away, not interacting with the poor at all. When they reached there, a man was standing in front of the gate heavily dressed in winter clothes, so much so that for a moment both of them thought a bear had somehow come here. Andrew stopped the car in front of the man and lowered his window to talk to him.

"What was his name?" Andrew asked Harry to confirm the identity of the individual.

"Drake," Harry answered.

"Full name?"

"Drake-uh Falken, I think," Harry doubtfully answered, not quite remembering the man's name.

Andrew nodded at Harry and spoke in a loud voice to the man/bear.

"Hey man! You Tom?"

"No! Name's Drake."

"Like the cartoon mermaid Drake?"

"Yeah, yeah, like that." with a weird face hidden beneath the clothes Drake replied.

Harry raised his eyebrow at this interaction but didn't interrupt, though a single thought entered his head. 'Who is the cartoon Drake?'

"You are Harry Winston?" Drake asked to confirm.

"No, I come on behalf of Harry Winston. Name's Nelson. I came for the package, it's paid, I believe."

"What? On behalf?" Drake looked lost as he tried to see the inside of the car but couldn't because of the black tinted glass.

"Well, I need some kind of ID."

"I have his ID on me, that work?"

"Sure, I guess. B-but he would have to sign the machine; we would have taken it to his house but because of the holiday...you know."

"Yeah...bring it to me, I'll sign."

Drake had no argument to that, so he went inside to fetch the package and the machine on which Harry had to sign.

"What was that?" Harry curiously asked.

"I'll tell you in a minute." Andrew smiled at Harry and replied.

Ring, ring

Harry looked at his ringing phone.

"Hmm, they called."

As Harry was going to accept the call, Nelson intercepted him.

"Harry-uh, pick up the call and end it within 20 seconds, got it?"

"Why?"

Ring, ring

"I've no time to explain; just do as I say. Put it on speaker also."

Harry thought for a second about why Nelson would tell him that, and the only explanation Harry could come up with was number tracing.

Click

"Harry Winston speaking."

"Mr. Winston, we are speaking from Aeropackage Company. We have met some problem. Someone is here on your behalf to receive the package. Would you kindly confirm that it's you?"

"Yes, I suddenly fell ill, so I sent an associate to collect it. Is there a problem?"

As Harry was talking on the phone, Andrew saw a man running towards a car parked near them and quickly mounting it. Then, after a second, a loud noise took his attention—it was the sound of the horn of the car.

Harry had just cut the call after the horn had sounded. It took Andrew a second to understand what had just happened.

"Fuck! The bastards have got smarter."

Gone was the elegance of the Englishman, and gone was his British accent...