Summary:

On Christmas Eve, KITT is at the grave of his creator, Wilton.

It's my eleventh Christmas Eve, and I'm at my creator's grave or father, Wilton. Has it been this long since my father died due to a disease humans didn't have a cure for? I process this inside my central processing unit and access my memory banks. My father looked so frail in his sickbed, according to Michael. I visualize how he must have looked. Pale, his skin dry with wrinkles, and his body weak. Michael mentioned he still had determination in his eyes. Determined for Michael and I to become and remain partners to right the wrongs Tanya and her cronies dared do against the Foundation and other tech companies. If I had emotions back then, I would have had three. I would feel Hate for what she did to hurt Wilton so much. Happiness that she no longer can hurt anyone else. Relief that Michael didn't die due to another bullet.

I have many thoughts inside my CPU that I need to express to you, Father, Yet I can't say them vocally. So, instead, I'll continue to think about what I would say.

Eleven years later, I'm happy to inform you that Michael and I remain partners. We are more than partners. We are Anam Cara - soul friends. Soulmates, yes, that's a better term. I cherish him, and I know he loves me. Our love is much deeper than anything romantic or familial. We are inseparable, and I have you to thank, Father.

At this moment, Michael is inside the mansion celebrating Christmas Eve with Devon, Bonnie, and RC. I think you would have liked RC. He's young, driven like you were to help others, and has almost the same awful taste in music Michael has. I was relieved when he and his 'crew' rebuilt my chassis almost from scratch and added the ability to be in convertible mode. Topless! You would have laughed at that.

I'm scanning Michael, and his blood pressure is a little elevated. He's probably laughing. I love the way Michael laughs. His cheeks dimple, his mouth opens, and his teeth are sparkling white. His face is so expressive. I'm getting a little sidetracked, Father. I can eavesdrop at any time to listen in, but I feel unless we are on an assignment, it's not necessary.

Michael would be drinking egg nog, probably spiked with coconut rum to enhance the flavor, but not enough to make himself drunk. Humans and their taste buds are something I don't quite understand. Michael's usual meal is hamburgers and French fries. Ugh! That's Michael for me, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Excuse me, Father. Michael is calling me.

"Michael? Is there something you require from me?" I asked, wondering why Michael would call now.

"Uh, no, Buddy. I wanted to know if everything is ok. You haven't commed me. I tell you, Bonnie's a fantastic programmer and mechanic, but her cookies are as hard as rocks!" I can hear Bonnie's objections in the background and Michael's laughter.

"I'm fine, Michael, visiting my father's grave," I said calmly. I won't lie to Michael. I am fine and want to be here.

"Want some company, KITT?" Michael is no longer laughing.

"Stay, Michael. Please. I need a little more time with my father. I'll contact you soon. Besides, it's Christmas. Enjoy your egg nog, Michael." I smile to myself.

"How did you? Never mind, you know me too well. I'll talk to you soon, Pal. Love you!" I hear Michael laugh again with my auditory system before the signal stops.

Michael signed off before I could express my love for him. That's Michael sometimes. He already knows what I'm feeling, Father. It's strange, although he is human and I'm a machine. We seem to know about each other's thoughts and feelings without expressing them in words. Is this what you wanted for us, Father?

I regret that you couldn't see what good the Foundation has done over the years. Your best friend Devon has become more than a Director of Operations. He's been a father of sorts to both Michael and me. There's a strength in him, rare for a human. Bonnie, sweet Bonnie. You were right to hire her. She's been what you would say a Godsend to me. Bonnie has done miracles for me over the years with repairs, updates, and rebuilds. Without her, I wouldn't be here.

I regret you couldn't be here to celebrate Christmas with us. I recall in my memory banks you had a fondness for fruit cake. I ordered some the other day and had it delivered to the mansion - the kind of fruit cake with plenty of raisins in it. Michael had a slice but wasn't too keen. Devon had a slice and liked it. Bonnie and RC had a slice and promptly gave theirs to Devon. It seems like he's the only one besides you that likes fruit cake.

The Foundation's cook will be busy making a magnificent turkey dinner for Michael and the others. I'll keep him busy so he doesn't bother her while she's cooking. Dinner will be early on Christmas day so she can be with her family. The limo driver will take her home and then go to his family. The employees are already with their families for Christmas. I'm glad. I have to admit, it feels wonderful to have a family.

I'm happy with who and what I am: a sentient computer with emotions. I'm forever grateful you created me, Father. I am filled with gratitude that you insisted Michael remain with us.

That's all I can think of right now. I'm anxious to speak with Michael and hear his voice. I love you, Father. Merry Christmas.