Chapter 78

Reaching into one of his shopping bags, Vic began pulling out the toys he’d bought. Little hands stretched up to grab anything he offered—candy, dolls, stuffed animals, puzzle books. Each item he held out was snatched away as soon as it cleared the bag.

When one bag emptied, Vic backed up toward the sliding glass doors leading to the hospital’s lobby. “Ho ho ho,” he cried, still feeling a little silly. No one seemed to notice—the kids were opening their toys, already playing with them. “Merry Christmas!”

A shout resounded through the night as the kids, their parents, and the other adults waiting outside joined in. “Merry Christmas, Santa!”

Inside the hospital lobby, Vic was greeted with more smiles and laughter. The receptionist beamed at him as he approached. “Hello Santa,” she tittered. “Aren’t you a little early?”