Hurry boy. Mama won’t be here much longer. These words echoed in my ears as I plowed through the deep snow. I was running out of breath but kept going because I knew I couldn’t go back until I had gotten Mama’s gift. Hurry boy. Mama won’t be here much longer. I stumbled over my feet realizing I had just lost all feeling in my lower legs. I scanned the town looking for the store, hoping I was near. When my eyes laid upon the store, my heart leapt with joy. I had always wanted to get these from mama but I never had enough money to buy them. I ran as fast as my feet could take me into the store. Finally. Mama will get her wish but I have to hurry. I head straight for the shoe section and began my hunt for the perfect pair of shoes. Mama had always talked about the shoes. They were red, with a little ribbon around the edges and a bow in the front. I have always wanted to get these for mama but my family never have enough money to afford the shoes. But I have been saving up for a few years and this year I was almost positive I could get the shoes. I had almost given up hope when a glimmer of red caught my eye. I darted over to the shoes and almost let out a cry of happiness. There was one pair left and that pair on the size 7. Mama was a size 7 and in that moment I could tell this was a miracle of God. I grabbed the shoes and worked my way over to the cashier. There was only one lady ahead of me but she seemed to take ages. I started pacing back-and-forth letting the Christmas music take over my mind.
"Next!" I heard the man say. He looked at me. "Are you here alone boy? And what in the world are you wearing? It is freezing outside." I looked down at my clothes. They were dirty and there were a few holes. I also didn't have a jacket or very sturdy shoes but we could never afford any of these things to buy every year. I didn't answer his questions though. I simply said,
"Sir I want to buy these shoes, for my mama please. It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size. Could you hurry, sir? Daddy says there's not much time. You see, she's been sick for quite a while, and I know these shoes will make her smile. I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus, tonight." He stared at me with a look of pity and was like that for a minute or two before he started scanning the box.
"Your total is $37.89" I felt my eyes grow big--I only had $20 but I counted it all out to make sure. I gave it to the cashier and after eternity of counting he looked up and said, "Son, there's not enough here." No! No, no, no, no! This can't be happening! Not now. Not for Mama. "Are you sure you don't have anymore money?"
"No,I was just joking. I actually have $100 hidden in my pockets." I knew I sounded awful but I couldn't help it. "Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you but I just really have to get these shoes.
I turned around to the man standing behind me in line and said, "Mama made Christmas good at our house though most years she did without. Tell me sir, what am I going to do? Some how I gotta buy her these Christmas shoes." And then to my surprise, the man, the stranger of whom I just asked advice from, pulled out his wallet and laid down the rest of the money. I started crying but gave him the biggest grin and whispered, "Mama's gonna look so great." With that I turned around, thanked the man and ran out of the store with the shoes. I was so happy that I had gotten Mama her shoes, I had lost track of time. When I walked into the hospital I noticed I had been gone for 3 hours. Mama! No! I sprinted up to her room and burst through the door. Daddy was sitting next to Mama crying. I slowly walked over to Daddy and put my arm on his shoulder. Mama? He gave me a look. As I began to put Mama's shoes on her feet I let the first tear fall down my cheek and let it land on my hands. I took a step back and looked at her. She looked so beautiful. "Merry Christmas Mama. I love you and I want you to know that you are going to be the most beautiful angel in Heaven."
I want her to look beautiful, if Mama meets Jesus tonight.
~A.K.A. taytay
~A.K.A. taytay
