Christmas Story

The little girl’s bottom jutted out beneath her top lip as the office approached her. She wore a tiny pink dress with a pink tutu and pink ballerina slippers.

“Hello” The office said standing a few inches from the tiny ballerina.  He smiled at her, thought it was a very fake smile

“Hi” she replied in a low whisper. Every now and then she’d peer behind the big office hoping to see her family’s little black car. They had missed it; the tiny girl’s mom said they’d only be gone a little while.

“I’m sorry to tell you this” The office said taking a shaky breath, not wanting to tell such a sweet little girl such sad news.

“Your mommy and daddy got in a car accident” He said “And your sister was in the car too. They are in heaven now, sweetie.”

“I don’t understand” The tiny ballerina said. She sniffed and shivered. The officer noticed and took off his coat laying it over her shoulders.

“Thank you mister” She whispered. “But I still don’t understand”

The officer got down on his knees and placed his large hands on the girl’s shoulders.  He sighed and smiled sadly at her.

“Your mommy and daddy and sissy are dead. I’m very sorry.” He said. The little girl gasped and started to cry.

“I’m so sorry” The officer whispered his eyes closed tightly trying to avoid tears.

“Come on, let’s take you to your grandma’s house” He said picking up the little girl and carrying her to his cruiser. He buckled her in and started the car.

He drove slower than usual letting the tiny girl look at the mesmerizing Christmas lights. He sniffed and pulled out a tissue whipping his nose.

Why out of all the days of the year would God take the family of such a sweet little girl, especially on Christmas Eve? It’s just not fair, the officer thought looking back at the now asleep little girl.

“I’m sorry” He whispered once again.