December 19

Molly was singing in the kitchen. Schrodinger lay on his cat bed in the tea room, in front of the gas fire, and listened to her. When she was happy, he was happy. And she was most definitely happy today.

This had been the first Snow Queen’s Ball Schrodinger had attended, although he’d heard stories of them before. Everyone who traveled the Roads near Carter’s Cove had heard stories of the famous ball, and his uncle had actually lived in the Winter Palace for a few years. He thought about last night, especially how Molly had danced and danced, her face alight with enjoyment, and how beautiful the music had been. There had even been a few other CrossCats there, and he’d gotten to get some news from home. His sister had had another litter. Schrodinger wondered if he should try and get back to the Lair for a few days. Maybe after the new year. Once I’m sure Molly’s all set.

She and Drew had stayed up late, so the fact that she was singing in the kitchen was a bit amazing to him. He’d gone to bed when they’d come in from the dance, but they had stayed up, dancing and drinking tea in the kitchen, until the wee hours. In fact, he wasn’t sure she’d actually slept at all. She’d woken him up at 5:30 am and they’d done breakfast together, then come down to the store.

Now, Schrodinger wondered what would happen next. He liked Drew. But there was still the problem – was Drew SA? Or was SA someone else? If he was someone else, would Molly still choose Drew? Schrodinger heaved a sigh.

That’s an awfully heavy sigh, another voice said, and Schrodinger looked up as a large black dog, with an adorable four-year-old girl in tow, came ambling over to him. He willingly moved over to let Jack flop down with him on the bed – Aunt Marge had invested in the large sizes, so there was plenty of room for all three of them. Lily laid down between the two of them, snuggling in.

“What’s wrong, Schrodinger?” she asked, stroking his soft head. “You shouldn’t look this sad.”

Not sad, Schrodinger said. A little worried, though.

Why? Jack asked. It’s nearly Christmas.

I know, and I’ve been good, so I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about Molly. He told them about SA, and the cards with the Christmas carols, and the three Gate techs. So I’m worried that she won’t want to choose SA, or that somehow, we’ve messed it up, he finished, putting his head on his front paws. What if this isn’t something Santa wanted them or us to do? What if SA is someone else completely, and it’s not someone good for her?

“Then she won’t choose him,” Lily said, with complete confidence. “She’s good like that.”

Besides, do you really think Santa won’t have been keeping a close eye on this? Jack added. He’s SANTA. And he rules December. You know that.

Not really, Schrodinger said. This is my first Christmas here. CrossCats don’t celebrate Christmas.

“Really?” Lily looked at him. “What do they celebrate?”

Winter Solstice, he said. We light a fire in the morning, and keep it lit all through the day and night, so the sun will come back. There are presents given, at the end of the day, but not from Santa. From family and friends.

“Sounds like our home,” she said. “Mommy and Daddy have been very busy, getting the house ready. Grandma and Grandpa are coming up, and it’s very cool! Mommy’s in now, getting some last Christmas presents.” She leaned in and whispered, “I think she’s getting Grandpa another book. And some tea.”

Molly said she was ordering cookies too, Schrodinger said. Special ones, but she wouldn’t tell me what kind.

Lily squealed and clapped her hands together, while Jack thumped his tail. Molly’s cookies are the best!

Schrodinger was about to respond, when he saw Aunt Marge go into the kitchen. In her hands was a familiar red envelope, and he sighed again.

What? Jack said.

What if she’s not happy with who SA is? Schrodinger asked. What if he breaks her heart? What if…

Jack thumped his tail again, cutting Schrodinger off. You can play the what-if game all you want, and make yourself crazy, he advised. Or you can enjoy the season and trust that Santa has everything well in hand. I suggest the second alternative.

You are wise, Schrodinger agreed. I think—

An absolute squeal of glee cut through his thought, and all three of them looked to the kitchen. Schrodinger could just barely see Molly, who was spinning around, clutching something in her hands. Let’s go see what that is!

They all bounded into the kitchen, and arranged themselves around Molly. “What is it?” Lily asked, looking up. “Did you get a good present?”

“I did!” Molly said, laughing at the hopeful faces in front of her. “Would you guys like a cookie, and then I’ll share it?”

“Yes!” Three voices chorused, and Aunt Marge, who had moved to the side of the kitchen when they tumbled in, laughed as well. Molly turned and took three sugar cookies, sparkling with icing and colored sugar, from the rack behind her and presented it to the three. Once they were settled, she picked up the envelope she’d set down and opened it again.

“Look,” she said, pulling out the most glorious snowflake Schrodinger had ever seen. Obviously magic, it shimmered and glowed in her hand. “SA sent me one of the Snow Queen’s own snowflakes for our tree! Isn’t it amazing?”

It was. The Snow Queen very rarely gave away her snowflakes, and those who got them rightfully treasured them. This was very old magic, Schrodinger knew; to enlarge a single snowflake, then make it eternal. Molly had been given an amazing gift.

Jack nudged Schrodinger and said quietly, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. The Snow Queen and Santa are very close, and this proves that she, at least, approves. She always knows who gets her snowflakes.

True.

“What does the note say?” Aunt Marge asked.

“Dear Molly, thank you for the dance. It was as wonderful as I could have hoped. You were beautiful. Here’s something to remember the night by. SA.” Molly looked up, her eyes shining. “As if I could ever forget it.”

Here’s the song SA sent Molly today, along with the magical snowflake.