Written December 23 '08
"Wake up! Wake up Mommy! Daddy!" Joshua cried, jumping onto his parents bed, and bouncing them awake. "Santa's been here!" Both parents groaned, but they couldn't get back to sleep.
"Where's Vinny?" Thali asked sleepily. She had quickly noticed that her youngest son wasn't with Josh.
"He's already opening presents," Joshua made a face at his brother's greed. He took his parents by the hand and led them to the living room. The family had set up a large tree the day before. It was decorated with tinsil, and bulbs of every color. Underneath the tree was a large assortment of gifts, and Vincent.
"Mine!" The toddler said in greeting. He was already ripping into his gifts. He had thrown the clothes onto the floor, displeased. With every toy he recieved, he put it carefully beside him. He would play with them later, first he wanted to see how many he got.
Thali went to the tree. "Josh look!" She said, "All these have your name on them!" She encouraged him to start opening them, and then handed Ben a gift. "From me," She told him, "Merry Christmas."
Ben opened the gift slowly, as if he wanted to save the wrapping paper. Thali rolled her eyes. Ben was surprised at the gift, he hadn't really expected anything. Inside was a cell phone.
"But.." Ben started. Thali put a finger to his lips.
"So you can call when you're worried about me." She said, teasing.