Chapter 68

Instead, he shrugged into the red coat and pulled the lapels closed around his pillowed stomach. From her spot on the floor, Sadie watched him with her head on her paws, as if waiting for him to leave the room so she could hop up on the bed. In the mirror, Vic saw Matt sink down to sit on the mattress as he pulled on a pair of black trouser socks. Under his breath, Vic gave an experimental, “Ho ho ho.”

Behind him, Matt spoke up. “You know, I always thought Santa was like the ultimate sugar daddy. I mean, he has to be loaded, right? To give toys to all the kids all over the world? He must trump Trump.”

“Elves make the toys,” Vic reminded him. “It’s just a fairy tale, anyway. He only gives toys to kids whose parents can afford them. What about all the poor children who get nothing? Or the ones who go to bed without even having enough to eat? Where’s Santa for them?”