"It's okay, Maxine," said Mommy. "You need to tell him what you want for Christmas."

I looked over at Santa sat in his chair,

"Go on, honey," said Daddy. "It's okay."

I let got of Mommy's hand and wandered up to Santa.

"Hello there," he said as he lifted me up onto his knee. "And what's your name?"

"M-Maxine…" I said.

"Maxine, what a lovely name. And have you been a good girl this year?"

I nodded.

"Then you go on the nice list, with all the other nice boys and girls. All the innocent boys and girls," he said.

His hand was squeezing my shoulder really hard.

"Let go," I said. He just smiled at me.

"Mommy! Daddy!" I looked but they were gone. Everyone was gone.

"Don't fight it, Max…"

I looked back and saw Jefferson's eyes leering at me behind his glasses.

"Now let's get a photo together…"

The entire space went a horrible shade of red as I found myself on the ground, bound by duct tape on my wrists and ankles. I looked up to see Jefferson, now out of costume, leaning over me taking photos.

"Now this is a perfect gift," he said. "Pure innocence captured on film."

I shut my eyes as hard as I could.

"Open those eyes, Max," he said.

"Fuck you," I said.

I felt his hand grab my chin and turn my head. I kept my eyes clamped shut as his voice filled the air.

"Open your fucking eyes, Max! MAX!"


"Max?"

I sat upright in bed. Joyce was stood at the foot of my bed in her bath robe.

"Max, you okay?"

I took deep breaths as I sat against the wall behind me.

"Sorry, Joyce. Another nightmare. I'm okay. What time is it?"

"Only 8:30. I'm sorry to wake you, I just wanted to make sure there was plenty of time to finish packing."

"Okay, I'm nearly done but I'll get up and make sure."

"It's okay, you don't have to rush," she said.

"It's fine, Joyce. Don't really want to sleep again anyway."

Joyce nodded in sympathy and left my room, shutting the door behind her.

I got up and rubbed my temple.

Thanks, Jefferson. Dick.


I zipped up my suitcase, one that used to belong to Chloe, and stood up. I took one last look around to check I hadn't forgotten anything. I had trusty polaroid camera in my camera bag.

Ready to waste some film…

David appeared in the doorway.

"We're about ready to go, you got everything?" he said.

I glanced at the digital camera.

"Yeah," I said as I put the camera into a drawer. "I'm ready."


I shut the car door and put on my seat belt. Joyce was sat in the seat in front.

"Thank the Lord the snow stopped," she said.

"Yeah, lucky us," I said. I looked over at Chloe's van on the driveway.

"You have any plans for Chloe's truck?" I said.

"Oh, we got some ideas," said Joyce.

I looked over at it as David got in the driver's seat and shut the door.

"Everybody ready?" he said.

Joyce and I signaled our approval and David started the engine.


We stopped at the Shari's Café and Pies, not far from the airport. I had skipped breakfast so I was starving for a Belgian Waffle.

"How is it Max?" said Joyce as I swallowed another mouthful.

"It's good," I said. "But not as good as yours."

"Correct answer," she said as she raised her coffee.

"Must be nice having break away from the Two Whales, huh?" said David.

"It is nice not to worry about it for a while."

"Told you, you do enough for that place, and not for the pay you deserve."

"Well, with a bit of luck that may change soon," she said.

"Oh?" said David.

"I kinda threw my hat in the ring yesterday for the manger's position. So we'll see."

David leaned over and kissed Joyce on the cheek.

"I'm proud of you," he said. "You're a shoo-in."

"Yeah, you got this, Joyce," I said.

"Well, thank you both. I'll hopefully know in the new year."


We got to the airport, and after some more waiting, we finally boarded the plane. I took the window seat with Joyce sat in the middle.

"Can't remember the last time I was on a plane," she said. "God, I think it was when I was pregnant with Chloe."

"Really?" I said.

"Yeah, when William and I went to San Francisco. That sure was a wonderful vacation. Didn't even think about how long it's been since I left Oregon."

"Well, hopefully Seattle can match it," I said.

"Spending the time away with the you, Ryan and Vanessa is all I need right now, Max," she said.

"You forgetting someone?" said David, leaning forward. Joyce looked at him.

"I don't think so," said Joyce. The three of us laughed as Joyce took David's hand. Joyce turned back to me.

"You'd love San Francisco, Max."

"I'm sure I would," I said. I looked out the window at the terminal grounds. "I hear they have a great art gallery."


Several hours later, the plane touched down. We all disembarked and headed to pick up our luggage. Then we made our way to the terminal exit. Joyce, David and I tried to stay together amongst the crowd. As we got to the exit I could see another small crowd of people, waiting for their loved ones. Our crowd began to split as people reunited with their families and friends. Finally, I saw my mom and dad, peering all around, trying to find us. I waved. They saw me. My dad smiled warmly, my mom started bouncing up and down in excitement. There was a time when I might have been embarrassed by her, but none of that mattered as I rushed forward, dropped my luggage and threw my arms around my mom. Neither of us said anything as I heard my Dad greet Joyce and David. She finally released me as I smiled at her.

"It's so good to see you, darling," she said.

"It's good to see you too," I said.

"Hey, kiddo," said Dad.

"Hey, Dad," I said as I gave him a big hug.

"Joyce," said my Mom as she hugged her. "So good to see you again."

"And you," she said. My Mom gave David a quick hug as Dad let me go.

"Welcome to Seattle," my mom said.

"Thank you again for having us," said David. "It's very kind of you to welcome me into your home."

"It's our pleasure," said my Dad. "Come on, let's get these bags. I'm sure you're all tired from the travelling."

My Mom and Dad grabbed whatever luggage they could carry as we all headed to the exit.


After the drive home to 2210 E Calhoun S, I went upstairs with my suitcase. I walked across the familiar hallway until I found the door to my old room. I opened up the door and stepped inside. I dumped my bags on the floor and looked around. It had only been about four months since I had last been in this room, but it felt like a lifetime ago. I slipped off my camera bag and put that on the floor. I went and laid down on my bed and put my hands behind my head. I looked at the poster for Mimi and the Screamers, I remembered seeing them live with Chloe when we were younger. Out first unsupervised concert. I smiled at the memories of that night.

There was a small knock on my door. I looked and saw my mom and dad stood there, Joyce and David's luggage at their feet.

"Making yourself at home, kiddo?" said Dad. I giggled and sat on the edge of my bed.

"Yeah, weird being back again," I said.

"Well, it's wonderful to have you back at home, Maxine," said Mom.

I nodded. I wrung my hands a little.

"Is something the matter?" said Mom.

"Can I ask you guys something?"

Mom and Dad looked at each other. They left the bags on the floor and stepped into my room.

"Of course, you can," said Mom as she sat down next to me. My dad turned the chair to my desk to face me and sat down too.

"What is it, Max?" said Dad.

"I'm not mad at either of you. And I mean that, okay? I just have to know…You knew how close I was with Chloe. You know how much I would miss her when we moved…"

Mom and Dad glanced at each other.

"Why didn't you encourage me to contact her?" I said. I avoided their eyes to try and take the pressure off them. My dad sighed.

"Of course knew how close you and Chloe were, Max," he said. "We knew it was a big move, a new life for you almost. Your mother and I just wanted you to be happy, to enjoy the city and your new school. I guess we thought we would let you talk to Chloe only when you were comfortable to do so. We knew how much you cared about her, so we knew the day would come when you'd have the chance to reconnect with her. But..." he looked down at the floor.

Mom put her arm around me. "We're just sorry that day never came, sweetheart," she said. "Can you forgive us?"

"I don't need to forgive you for anything, Mom. I get it," I said. "Besides, I had my chance when I went back to Arcadia Bay and I didn't take it. I can't blame you for that."

"You can't blame yourself either, kiddo," said Dad.

"I know, Dad. I'm just trying to move forward."

"Good," he said.

"We're proud of you, Maxine," said Mom. "We love you so much."

She hugged me before standing up.

"When you're ready, come downstairs, okay?" she said. She gave my shoulder a quick rub as she and Dad went towards my door.

"One more thing," I said. Mom and Dad stopped and turned back. "Can you both please call me Max, instead of Maxine?"

Mom looked back at me. She looked back at my dad, who raised his eyebrows.

"You always seemed to love it when you were a little girl," said Mom.

I stood up, standing close to show our eye lines were level.

"I'm not a little girl anymore though," I said. "You said that yourself."

"I guess I did," she said with a smile. She put her hands on my cheeks. "You're a woman and I need to respect your choices," she added before giving me a kiss on the forehead and letting go of me. "I might still slip up sometimes but I will try, I promise."

"I'll hold her to it," said Dad with a chuckle. "Don't worry."

"Thanks," I said. "And thank you, Mom. I'll be down in a few minutes."

My parents nodded and picked up the baggage on the floor before going down the hall to the guest room. I pushed the door until it was only open a crack. I smiled and swung my arms as I rocked from my heel to my tip toes. I looked down at my camera bag. I opened it and took out my polaroid camera. Put it on my desk and pointed to toward my wall of posters. I pressed the button and that familiar whirring sound came from the camera as a photo ejected from the top. I took it out and left it on my desk to develop. I heard my mom and dad walk past the door and downstairs. I waited a minute for my photo to develop. It came through as a blurry mess. I sighed.

Forget what the photo looks like Max. It doesn't matter. It's about why you took it. Because you feel happy.

I opened up my door and went downstairs to join everyone.


The rest of the day was spent with my parents and Joyce and David. We had a great dinner my Mom cooked and we spent the evening watching tv. At night, I put on my shoes, gloves and coat.

"I'm going out for a walk before bed, I'll be back soon," I said.

"Are you sure you'll be okay on your own?" said Mom.

My dad, David and Joyce chuckled.

"Yes, Mom I'm only going down the street and back," I said.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry," she said. "We'll see you soon."

"I think David and I are gonna turn in," said Joyce. "We'll see you in the morning, Max."

"Goodnight," I waved as I left the house through the front door.

I stepped off the porch and onto the sidewalk. I let out a shuddered breath and put my hands in my pockets as my breath appeared in the frosty air. I looked left and right, trying to decide which way to walk. I decided to go west towards the Montlake Park. I let out another shuddered breath.

I walked passed the rows of houses, all decked out with Christmas decorations to various degrees. I remember always loving seeing everyone illuminate the street when I was living in Seattle. It really felt like being in a Christmas movie where a whole neighbourhood comes together to celebrate.

I walked until I reached the edge of the field. It was all frosted over, I put a tentative foot on it and my foot slid over the top. I pulled back and just looked out at the field. The white of the frost was the polar opposite of the dark night sky.

This would make such a great photograph. If I had my camera. If I could even take it.

I sighed and turned my back to the field.

Come on, the whole point of these walks is to clear your head. Okay, it didn't work last night. But you have to keep at it. Your brain isn't going to fix itself overnight. Just focus on the good stuff. You're here with Mom and Dad. David and Joyce. It's Christmas, you've got a break from school, you're in therapy, you're got support all around you. You WILL get through this shit.

I shut my eyes and took in a deep breath through my nose. Then spluttered as the icy cold went straight up my nostril. I spluttered and then laughed. The cold was starting to get to me. So, I started heading back.

After getting back inside and assuring my Mom that was in fact okay, I got ready for bed. I opened up the back page of my journal. I didn't feel like writing to Chloe, but I knew I could at least try the other thing Doctor Howder had suggested.

I started writing:

I wake up in Jefferson's dark room. I'm tied to the chair, or bound on the floor. Jefferson it stood taking photos of me. He taunts me, talking about all my insecurities.

My pen hovered over the page as I tried to think of a way to rewrite the ending. I decided to keep it simple.

Jefferson disappears. The duct tape disappears from my wrists. I get up from the chair and walk away. I get to the door to the dark room. I open it and step through. I'm free.

I read through it over and over, trying to visualise it in my head. Eventually I shut journal and climbed into my bed. I pulled the covers up and looked up at the ceiling I spent years looking at while I lived in Seattle. Worrying about school the next day and if I'd pass any pop quizzes that the teachers gave; if I'd be able to avoid Jayden and his cronies; if Chloe still thought about me…

I turned onto my side took one last glance at my open journal. I reached over and switched off the lamp.


I fumbled in the darkness to find my lamp. My shaking hand hit the side of it, I fought the pain and found the switch.

I quickly got out of bed and got to the light switch on the wall. I turned it on to illuminate the whole room. I snatched my phone off the side. I fought my trembling hands to open up my music playlist. I hit play and let the phone land on my bed. I clasped my hands together as the music played quietly. I looked at the posters on my wall as I softly sang along to the song playing.

"Don't you know that

I'll be around to guide you

Through your weakest moments

To leave them behind you?"

After about a minute, the trembling subsided. I clenched and unclenched my fists a few times, I took a deep breath and exhaled. I turned off my music and looked at the time: 05:27. I switched off the main light and then my lamp. I climbed back into bed. I laid on my back and looked up through the darkness to where the ceiling was. I shut my eyes again, determined to sleep the rest of the night.


After getting a couple more hours sleep, i got up and spent the money with Mom, Dad, Joyce and David. Later on, we got in Dad's car and set off to take in as much of Seattle Christmas as we could.

We saw the amazing Gingerbread display in the Sheraton Grand Hotel, it looked so delicious I wanted to take a bite out of it. Then we went to the beautiful lights of the Lumaze display, the Christmas Market; followed by the rest of us convincing David to go on the Holiday Carousel in Westlake Park. After a lot of protesting, he finally got on. He enjoyed it, even if he wouldn't admit it. We ended the evening with an awesome dinner at the Tulio Italian restaurant which served the best lasagna in Seattle.

After a great day, I was ready for bed. I probably wouldn't be getting up as early as when I was a kid, but I still had the Christmas Morning excitement. Not because of what presents I might get, but just for the people I'd be spending it with. And how good it was to get away from Arcadia and Blackwell for a little while. I went for my walk before I got ready for bed. I laid in bed looking at the dream notes in my journal. I read them over and over, trying to visualise the good ending in my head. I closed my journal and put it on my bedside table. I switched off my lamp and pulled the overs over me.

Whatever happens in your head tonight, you're here with your family. Nothing is changing that.


I sat up in bed, put the lamp on and put on the playlist on my phone. I looked around my room as I clasped my hands together. After a minute or so, my breathing returned to normal, and my hands stopped shaking.

Well, at least I'm get better at grounding myself. Better than nothing.

I looked at the time on my phone: 6:45.

Is it worth trying to go back to sleep? It is Christmas Morning after all.

I grabbed my bathrobe from my closet. I put it on and opened up my curtains. The sun hadn't risen yet, but I could see a blanket of snow was covering the entire street.

Now it feels like Christmas.

I stepped away from my curtains. I didn't want to risk waking anyone up so I looked around my room for something to keep myself busy. I tapped my phone to turn off the music, but I pressed too hard and my phone fell off the bedside table and under my bed. I sighed and got down on all fours to retrieve it. I looked under my bed and saw it. As I retrieved it, I looked at what was next to it. A photo album.

I pulled it out and sat on the edge of my bed. I opened it up and realised it was the first photo album I filled when I moved to Seattle. It was filled with polaroid photos I had taken around the city with my Dad. Filled with the photos I was so excited to show both my Mom and Dad. Filled with the photos I went from being proud of to being shamed of almost instantly.

I flicked through all the pages.

Some of these are actually okay. And some are…pretty bad but I was 13, what exactly did I expect? Perfection, probably. Or I'd be letting people down, right? It doesn't matter if I take a bad photo, so long as I now WHY it's bad so I can take a better one next time.

I heard footsteps in the hall. I shut the photo album an left it on my bed. I opened my door slowly and walked down the hall. I descended a few of the step sand looked over the banister and saw my mom in the kitchen putting on a pot of coffee. I reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Morning," I said. Mom jumped a little as she turned round.

"Oh, morning," she said. She approached me smiling and gave me a quick hug.

"Happy Christmas, sweetheart."

"Happy Christmas, Mom."

"Didn't think you'd be up so early, even on Christmas," she said.

"Yeah, kinda had another nightmare so…"

"Oh, Maxi- Max I'm sorry."

"It's okay," I said. "I'm all good now. Just can't wait for Christmas dinner later."

Mom chuckled.

"Well, the hard work starts now. Wanted to start the preparations early."

"I can help you," I said.

"Oh, that's okay, darling. You're here to relax."

"I'm not doing anything else, Mom. I want to help."

"Okay, if you're sure. You can do some chopping. Be careful though not to cut yourself."


I helped my mom prepare some of the dinner, Dad then came downstairs a short while later and helped out too. Joyce and David came downstairs about 8:30.

"Like the jumper, David," I said. He was wearing a bright green Christmas jumper with Santa's face emblazoned on it.

"Ugh, don't remind me," he said. "Only wearing it for Joyce."

Joyce playfully hit his shoulder.

"Oh don't be such a bore, it's Christmas," she said. "Merry Christmas everyone."

"Merry Christmas!" My parents and I said back.


Later in the day, we all sat down at the round table. I kept my camera on the floor right by me in case I needed it. My mouth watered from the smell and sight of all the food: a Christmas Ham with mashed potatoes and stuffing plus other veggies. We all pulled our crackers, read out our dumb jokes and wore our silly crowns. It was awesome. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and Mom said…

"Okay, everyone. Let's dish up."

My mom took our plates one by one and filled them with food. Joyce chuckled as she looked at me.

"Max, you look like your ready to devour the whole damn table," she said. Everyone laughed.

"Sorry," I said. "I'm just starving."

"Well, you just wait until everyone is served," said Dad.

"I know, I know," I said impatiently. Finally, Mom served her own plate and sat back down.

"Okay, for my daughter's sake," she said. "Everybody dig in."

I picked up my knife and fork and cut into my slices of ham. As soon as I put the slice in my mouth I shut my eyes. It was so damn good. I took some mashed potato and tasted that too. Then the stuffing. Ironic, as that's exactly what I was doing to my face.

"Max," said Dad. "Maybe go a little easier?"

I laughed, in doing so, a bit of the food flew out of my mouth onto the table.

"Max, that's so rude!" My Mom said. I covered my mouth as I started to laugh. Joyce started to laugh too. Then David, my Dad and finally my Mom put her cutlery down and buried her face in her hands as she laughed too. I sat there with my shoulders shaking as I tried not to choke on the food in mouth. It wasn't even that funny, but for some reason all of us were laughing like idiots. When we eventually all gained our composure, I swallowed my food, reached down to my camera and pressed the button.

After our fits of laughter, we ate. My Mom outdid herself; I fought my full stomach to have seconds.

"Now that is a good meal," said David as he sat back with his hand on his belly.

"You can say that again," said Joyce. "Vanessa, you should be on MasterChef."

"Oh, thank you, Joyce," said Mom. "I had some help from these two here," she added rest a hand on mine and Dad's shoulders.

"Yeah, but you did most of the work, Mom," I said.

"It was delicious all the same," said Dad. "Now, the mountain of dirty dishes."

"Oh, they can wait five minutes, Ryan," said Mom.

"How about we get a photo together?" I said. Everyone looked at each other.

"Are you sure, honey?" said Mom.

"Yeah, it's fine. Might need Dad to set it up on the tripod though."

"I can do that," he said. "Still got a spare one in the closet somewhere."

Dad got the tripod and I got my camera from upstairs. Dad attached my camera and was setting up the shot. I was stood in front of the fireplace with my Mom to my right, Joyce and David on my left. I had my arm round Mom and Joyce's shoulders. Dad was peering through the view finder.

"Okay, just gonna set the timer," he said." As I stared into the lens of the camera, I became conscious that my shoulders were rising and falling faster and faster. My breathing was speeding up as my mouth hung open. The camera lens felt like it was piercing my chest.

"Okay, I think we're ready," said Dad. Mom looked at me, feeling my arm rising and falling around her.

"Sweetheart, are you okay?" she said. Dad looked over the top of the camera at me.

"Max?" he said. My breathing was getting out of control, my face was turned red with embarrassment. I let go of Mom and Joyce and rushed past my dad. I ran up the stairs, went into my room and slammed the door shut. I could still feel my face burning.

"Fuck," I muttered. I took several deep breaths in and out, trying to steady my breathing. I heard footsteps coming up the stairs outside, followed by a small knock on my door.

"Darling?" Came my Mom's voice.

"Leave me alone!"

"Honey, it's okay, nobody's-"

"Can you just leave me alone? Please."

There was a pause, followed by the sound of my Mom's footsteps moving away from my door. I sighed.

I am so fucking sick of this shit stopping me from enjoying myself. I'm tired of having to be on constant alert in the back of my head.

I paced up and down my room slowly, trying to build up the courage to face everyone again. Suddenly I heard a knock at my door that made me jump.

"Max, it's David."

I hesitated, before going over and opening up the door to David.

"Am I okay to come in?" he said. I hesitated again, before nodding and stepping to the side. David stepped in and I shut the door behind him. I looked at my open photo album that was on my bed. I went over and closed it.

"You don't need to be embarrassed, Max."

I glanced up at David as I folded my arms.

"No-one in this house thinks less of you," he said.

"I know," I said. "I know, David. I'm just so tired of not being normal."

David chuckled softly. "I know the feeling. Trust me. And I know you don't want to hear it'll take time, or that what happened will always stay with you in some form or another. But it's true. I do know what it's like. I know the frustration and the longing to be 'normal' again. Truth is, after the things you've been through, you're never truly normal again. But doesn't mean you don't learn to deal with everything and it doesn't mean you won't be happy. You're a fighter, Max. I know your folks believe in you. Joyce and I do too. You're gonna be okay."

I stood for a moment, taking in everything David had just said.

"It's hard to take you seriously wearing that," I said gesturing to his Christmas sweater. David chuckled and I laughed.

"Yeah, should taken it off before I came up," he said.

"But seriously. Thanks, David. I…I don't now what to say."

"You don't have to say anything, I'm just letting you know it does get better," he said. "You can come down whenever you're ready. No rush."

David walked past me and opened the door, he shut it behind him as he left the room. I exhaled and sat down on my bed.

He's right, Max. You have to stop saying you don't expect to get better overnight and actually fucking REMEMBER you won't get better overnight. Just stop thinking everyone is looking down on you. They're not.

I looked over at my photo album.

You got better at photography after all…

I opened up my door and left my room.

I went downstairs. I saw everyone still stood near the photo spot. Mom was looking particularly worried.

"Hey, sorry everyone," I said.

"You okay, kiddo?" said Dad.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. You can take your photo now, I'll just stand to the side."

"Oh Max," said Joyce. "We can't have a Christmas photo of you in it."

"Yes you can," I said. "It's okay. Besides you all look great together."

Everyone glanced at each other.

"You got it, Max," said David. He resumed his position by the fireplace. Joyce and my mom joined him as my Dad went back to the camera.

"Okay, timer's set for five seconds. Ready?" he said. Mom, Joyce and David voiced approval. Dad left he camera and quickly moved over to the fireplace. He put his arm around my mom as everyone smiled. The camera went off and ejected the polaroid. I went over and took it out and put it on the couch.

"Do you think you could take one more?" I said. "Same again, but Mom, Joyce, could you leave a gap between you?"

"Well sure, honey. Are you gonna hop in?" said Mom.

"No, I said. "But could you do it anyway?"

Mom looked at Dad, who gave small shrug. He went back to the camera and reframed the shot. Mom stood apart from Joyce and David. Dad went back into frame and put his arm around Mom as everyone smiled. I looked at the gap between them, visualising myself stood there with a big smile on my face.

The camera whirred as the picture ejected from the front of the camera. I went over and took it.

"I'm keeping this one," I said.


Finally, it was time to swap Christmas cards, in the absence of gifts. My dad sat in one of the armchairs, I sat in the other one opposite. Mom sat closest to me on the couch, sharing it with Joyce and David. My camera was on the table pointed toward the Christmas tree.

"This is for you and Dad." I said as I gave Mom the card.

"Thank you, darling," she said. I looked over at my dad who smiled at me warmly. Mom opened the envelope and took out the card. The front was of two teddy bears in winter clothing hugging one another with the text: To a Wonderful Mom & Dad at Christmas. Mom showed it to Dad as she opened up the card.

"Dear Mom and Dad," she read. "I'm grateful for everything you do for me, for believing in me and I hope one day I'll make you proud with my photography. Have the best Christmas possible, Love From Max xxxx."

Mom passed the card to my Dad to look at.

"We're already proud of you," she said. "And your photography, Max."

"She's right," said Dad.

"Thank you," I said.

"Ryan, Vanessa," said Joyce. "It's not much but we got you something." She reached behind a couch cushion and took out a small box in wrapping paper.

"Oh Joyce," said Mom. "You didn't need to get us anything."

"I know, I know. Like I say, it's not much but we wanted to thank you for having us in your home for Christmas and New year," said Joyce.

"You don't owe a thing," said Dad. "But we appreciate it, thank you both."

"No problem," said David. Mom took the gift and unwrapped it. Mom chuckled as she show me and Dad. A box of chocolates.

"Our favourites," said Mom. "That's very sweet, thank you."

"Those won't last the rest of day once we open them," said Dad. We all laughed.

"We've got something for you too, Max," said Joyce.

"Really? You already gave me your card back in Arcadia?" I said.

"We did, this is something extra," said David. He reached under another cushion and took out a small square gift.

"Whatever it is, I don't want it," I said. "I said no gifts."

"Just open it and see what it is," said Joyce. "If you don't want it, then we understand. It is something of a responsibility."

Even if I was turning it down my curiosity was piqued. I held my hand out, Joyce took the box from David and passed it to me. I unwrapped it and it was a tiny black box. I turned it over in curiosity before taking off the lid. My mouth opened when I recognised what it was. I looked back at Joyce and David. I lifted the contents of the box out so Mom and Dad could see. It was a key attached to...

A panda keychain.

"Chloe's truck key?" I said.

"That's right," said David. "I gave it a tune up as best I could on top of what that garage place did. I'm sure you'll want your own car in the long-term. For now though if you want it, it's yours."

"Well," said Joyce. "After a couple of weeks once we've got the transfer of ownership and all the paperwork done."

"Don't forget your insurance too," said Mom.

"Which, if you want the truck, you'll be paying for yourself, okay?" said Dad. "All the costs and responsibility that comes from having your own vehicle is yours."

I looked at the key in my hand. I thought back to being in the diner with Chloe, proving my powers to her.

The money's not an issue, I have plenty of savings, though I don't want to eat into those long term. It would be nice to have an alternative to my bike, especially in the winter. And I guess having a part of Chloe with me when I'm on the road would be nice.

"You don't have to decide now," said Joyce.

"I know," I said. "But yes, I'd love to accept. I'll take good care Chloe's truck, I promise."

David and Joyce smiled at me.

"Well we will need to hold onto it for now until all the paperwork is done. But once it is, it's your truck, Max," said Joyce. I put the key back in the box and handed it back to her. I pressed the button on my camera. The camera whirred as a polaroid popped out. I put it on the coffee table.

"Thank you both," I said.

"It's a wonderful gift," said Mom.

"And there's still one more that needs to be handed out," said Dad. He reached under his own chair cushion and pulled out an envelope. "This is for you both," he said to Joyce and David.

"Oh, Ryan, Vanessa, you didn't have to get us anything," said Joyce.

"We wanted to," said Mom. "So go on and open it."

David took the envelope and tore it open. I noticed my mom look at my dad with a hint of…

…apprehension?

David looked inside the envelope and took out a piece of…what looked like paper. I sat up to get a better view and saw it was a cheque. Joyce looked at it.

"It's blank," she said.

Dad and Mom looked at each other and gave a small nod. My dad leaned forward.

"Whatever amount you need to take care of your outstanding bills and debts, write it down and that's your Christmas gift from us," he said.

David and Joyce looked back my parents. My mom smiled at them. David and Joyce looked at each other.

"We can't accept that," said Joyce. She took the cheque from David's hand and held to out to my Mom.

"Joyce what are you talking about?" said David. "Of course we can."

"Oh, it's that easy for you?" Joyce snapped. "You used to hate the idea of taking charity."

"Joyce…" my Mom said as she took the cheque from Joyce's hand. "That's not what this is."

"Vanessa's right," said Dad. "We just want to help you."

Joyce got up from the couch and walked away. I looked to David, he looked back at me completely dumbfounded.

"Joyce," he said getting up. "What's wrong?"

Joyce turned round.

"I am not accepting anything from Ryan and Vanessa after their daughter almost…because of me…"

There was an awful silence. I looked at Joyce, who was avoiding my eyeline.

"What happened wasn't your fault, Joyce," I said. "It was inevitable with…all I've been through. I don't blame you."

Joyce shook her head, still avoiding looking at me.

"If David hadn't found you and something had…I'd never have forgiven myself," she said.

My Mom got up and approached her.

"Joyce?" she said.

Joyce wiped tears from her eyes as she looked at my Mom.

"David did find, Max."

"But if he hadn't-"

"David did find Max," my mom repeated. "And you called the ambulance and made sure she got to the hospital. You stayed with her and you made sure she was okay until Ryan and I could get to Arcadia. Ryan will tell you how much I worry about Max. I always have done and always will."

Joyce let out a soft chuckle as she wiped her eyes with a tissue.

"But I worry a whole lot less knowing that you and David are there for my daughter when Ryan and I can't be. There's no price I can possibly put on Max's comfort, but there is for debts and bills. The least we can do is make sure you don't have to worry about those. So please take this and write down whatever amount you need to not worry."

Joyce looked down at the cheque in my mom's hand. Then looked past it to David, who smiled back at her. Joyce sighed.

"Okay," she said. "Thank you both so much." Joyce took the cheque and hugged my mom tightly. Mom hugged her back. David shook my Dad's hand vigorously.

"Thank you, sir," David said.

"It's our pleasure," said Dad.

"We'll be paying you back in full when we can."

Mom let got of Joyce and turned around to David.

"Oh, that's not necessary," she said.

"We're paying back every damn penny. We insist, right Joyce?"

"That's right. If I get that promotion then we'll be in a better position financially so we can cover our own expenses and start to pay you back," she said.

Dad stood up. "Well there's no hurry. You pay us back at your own pace, okay?"

"We will, Ryan," said Joyce. "Thank you both again."

David got up and he and Joyce hugged.


After an evening of chilling with my family, I went to bed. My dad had printed off all the paperwork to start the process of transferring ownership of Chloe's truck to me. Tomorrow was the day for boring paperwork though…and homework and studying. I had arranged to meet up with Kristen and Fernando on the Friday so I knew I at least had that to look forward to.

In my room I took the photo of Joyce, David Mom and Dad and kept it safe to take back with me to Blackwell. I collected the other photos I had 'taken' and looked at them. Blurry messes, but it wasn't about the subjects themselves. Everybody else had gone to bed, so I went for my walk. I walked to Montlake Park again, there was a blanket of snow covering it. The urge overtook me and I let myself fall backwards onto the snow. The thick layer of snow cushioned my fall as I spread my arms and legs. I laughed like a little kid as I made a snow angel, pushing the snow aside to leave my imprint.

I laid in the snow looking up at the starry sky.

The last time I was lying on the ground like this was at the lighthouse trail, as the sensation of the tornado was attacking me. Now, things feel so much more peaceful.

After the cold of the snow and air started to me, I got to my feet and shuddered. I brushed away the snow in my hair and looked back at my snow angel. I looked at the the snow next to my angel. I lay down and moved enough to leave an imprint, but not to replicate what I just did. I carefully stood up, once I could see the outline was good, I stepped in the imprint and moved my finger to push another detail on the top of the figures head. Then a long thin tail on the left side of the body.

I stepped back and looked at the finished pair. A snow angel…and a snow devil. I smiled at them one more time before looking up at the stars.

"Merry Christmas, Chloe."