"Birdkin, please go to the human realm, and select a worthy child. It's time that you granted your first Christmas wish." said a large man with a kindly smile on his face.
"Nicholas, I'm excited and scared at the same time." Admitted Birdkin.
Young Birdkin was tasked with granting wishes to good children. Wishes were replacing physical presents 90% of the time. Not so long ago, toys were rare. Even simple things were treasured. In that era, some of Nicholas's elves were tasked with making toys of every description.
Today, many kids owned things which they had only played with once, then cast aside. What today's children needed was a little magic. Something which would fuel their faith well into adulthood.
Saint Nicholas smiled again. The smile may have been partially covered by his thick white beard, but it was easy to see. It reached his eyes, and made them sparkle like stars. "Birdkin, don't be afraid. You will know when you are at the right place."
The little elf, no larger than Santa's boot, gave a reluctant smile in return. His pointed ears wiggled slightly in anticipation of his adventure.
"I'm sorry, Carla. There are no pets allowed here, he has to go to the shelter tomorrow. Before Mr. Fizzers sees him and evicts all of us. I know you are lonely, being stuck here while I work. But a stray dog isn't an option." said a sad but exasperated woman in her mid thirties.
"But Mom, tomorrow is Christmas day! The shelter probably won't even be open." the child pleaded, hugging a large fluffy collie.
"Well if it is, I have to take him in. Until then, just keep him quiet and out of sight."
Carla nodded, tears streaming from her eyes. Christmas was extra hard, because she was on holiday from school. Her mom was doing her best, but ever since she had been born, it had only been the two of them.
"He really is a smart dog. I bet I could keep him hidden." she begged, as a last ditch effort.
"We aren't going to risk it." Replied Mrs. Verde firmly. The dog smelled suspiciously of children's shampoo, which made her wonder if she was going to have to buy another container of the expensive liquid soon.
The elf sang an ancient song, and soon a red and green glow formed a large sphere. He walked through it, and found himself in the middle of a small hallway. He heard crying coming from behind one of the doors, and went in.
"I just know that I could take care of you. That mean old Mr. Fizzers would never see you!" a girl said. She seemed to be talking to the large dog next to her, but he wasn't saying anything in reply.
Birdkin looked on, sensing that this was the child he should be granting a wish for. He smiled, then made himself invisible.
She kissed the dog on the head, then patted the bed. He jumped up, and curled up next to her.
Christmas morning dawned bright and early, but Carla didn't get up to greet her mother. Instead she stayed in bed with King, as she had decided to name him.
They cuddled quietly, just enjoying the moment. Until Carla heard her mother pick up the phone and dial. Then she shivered.
"Hello, this is Mrs. Verde. I would like to bring in a stray dog. No, it's not dangerous. My daughter found it. It spent last night in her room with her, but the landlord doesn't allow pets."
Tears ran silently down Carla's cheeks. She had hoped to get him out of the house while her mother was at work. Maybe she could find a safe place to hide King, or even someone willing to take him.
"Tomorrow is the earliest? Can't you make an exception just this once? I see, thank you and merry Christmas. I'll be there at seven tomorrow morning. He really is lovely, I hope he gets a good home. Yes, I know it's not likely, but anything can happen, right? And it's better than turning him back out on the street."
Carla didn't hear anything after that. She collapsed in relief, hugging her new friend. He would not be anywhere near the apartment in the morning.
Just to be safe, she stayed in bed until her mother left. Once she heard the door close, she waited ten minutes in case she forgot her keys or something.
Then she made both of them a big breakfast. Spam, hash browns, toast and jam. There was even a package of eggs. She made two for King.
Then the inevitable. King went to the door, and whined. He would need to go outside and fast. Carla decided to scout out the area first.
All seemed quiet. It was still early, she should be able to get him out. And she had already decided that he wouldn't be coming back. The pound offered no hope for a future.
Using a belt as a makeshift collar and leash, she kept him close. As she crept past Mr. Fizzers' door, it opened. Carla didn't hear it, but Birdkin saw.
Just as the bitter old man was about to shout, Birdkin used his magic. While Christmas magic can't force anyone to do or say anything, it can bring on a memory.
The memory it brought to the surface this time was powerful indeed. It was of a boy and a black lab growing up together. The sweet memory flooded his brain. When had he hardened his heart to animals? He forgot for a minute, so strong were the happy memories. Oh yes, when he was forced to give Tubby away so the family could move to the city.
But the magic had done its job. He had remembered the joy of being with a dog. He smiled, deciding to have a little fun.
"Hello! What do we have here?" he asked, making his voice gruff.
"He was just leaving, Sir. You'll never see him again. I promise, I won't bring him back ever."
"Well that's just too bad... It so happens that sometimes I get lonely during the day. Especially during school hours. Having a dog to visit with might help. What do you think?"
Carla didn't believe what she was hearing. All she could do was nod. Mr. Fizzers let King sniff him, then gently petted him. The old man and the child smiled at each other. Christmas day was beautiful after all!
Cover image made on Canva using their gallery