by Nikki Lewen
Finished, Sadie retreats to Anna’s room, falls asleep quickly, and wakes ready to get back to the women waiting in the canyon. Jose heads out at the same time, only, he’s hiking back to Sadie’s for another supply run and to catch Caleb up on the holiday plans. Instead of taking the quickest route though, the boy meanders, trying to find where turkeys might be hiding. Along the way, he continues to contemplate what can be done for each of his friends and by the time he reaches the Memorial Campground, he’s developed a few good ideas.
Jose climbs into the trees and spends the last of the daylight working on the hidden perch. He’s spent several nights here and on each trip, it’s made a little more comfortable. This time, his focus is on setting up a small A-frame, using some rope and a tarp to help keep in the warmth while he’s sleeping. It’s cold out and containing body heat while keeping the night’s moisture off will help. He tries a couple of different strategies before choosing one and it doesn’t take long for sleep to come, but almost immediately, Jose’s eyes fly open. He sits up, brushing his head against the tarp as something scurries away. It’s too dark to see, but he can hear whatever it is, and it’s not far away. It’s also not leaving.
“Go on! Get out of here!” He yells, to no effect, as it sounds like it’s getting into his things.
Jose feels around for the rechargeable flashlight Sadie gave him and finding it lying nearby, the boy’s never been happier to have light. As he shines it towards the noise, two beady eyes reflect back. It’s a huge, mean-looking possum that hisses and ignores Jose as it returns to eating what remains of the persimmons.
Jose, unsure what to do and feeling trapped, notes the importance of keeping a weapon close. All he has are the underclothes on his back and the small flashlight. Even his shoes are out of reach. As the varmint finishes the last of the fruit, it begins to sniff around the boy’s backpack, which worries Jose further. He yells again, trying to sound confident and aggressive. Transitioning to his knees, he crawls toward it—under the tarp—yelling the entire time, but the possum holds its ground, making him stop.
Reaching overhead, Jose tries to undo the tarp so at least he can stand. With his attention and light focused on the dirty critter, he fumbles with the rope. Struggling, he’s only able to loosen a section, but it’s just enough to pull aside and give him room.
“Get! Go on! GET!” he yells while standing, raising his arms, and taking an attentive step closer.
The possum looks up, bares jagged teeth, and hisses. Instead of backing down, Jose yells, louder and takes another step. His heart is pounding, but he braves another step. His shoes are nearly within reach, but he’s hesitant about bending over to grab them, as momentarily, his face would be on the same level as the animal’s. Jose shuffles both feet closer, drags one shoe back using his toes and sliding a foot partially inside, gets enough leverage to raise it and grab hold. He does the same with the other while keeping his eyes glued on the possum.
Jose yells, waving both shoes overhead. He throws one, it strikes with a thud, and another hiss follows, but the animal retreats several steps. Jose, encouraged, intensifies his yelling while waving the second shoe. This time the possum scuttles to the side, jumps to the stump below, and disappears into the woods. The boy takes a deep sigh of relief, but it takes a while for the adrenaline to wear off and even longer for him to fall back to sleep.
THIRTY-NINE
Anna wakes and heads straight for the Christmas stockings hanging in the living room. Sticking out of each are bunches of fragrant redwood cuttings. Most pieces of the dark green foliage end in tiny knobs of a much lighter shade, almost yellow, and gather to round the tips. Some of the bunches have a scattering of fully developed redwood cones and Anna’s amazed trees so enormous begin their lives from such petite beginnings.
She slowly examines all the pieces and crushing a few needles between her fingers, releases even more of the heavenly scent. Anna inhales deeply and the olfactory response conjures images of making wreaths, garland, and bunches of holiday swag with her mother. Sadie’s place is covered with decorations and she made most of them. Hearing noise in the kitchen, Anna heads over to find Sadie and Clara making breakfast and talking.
It’s just the women this morning, since Caleb and Jose are away, finishing the last supply trips to Anna’s and hunting in the ongoing search for a Christmas turkey. Sadie, too, has been hunting, but today she’s spending time with the ladies first. Between hiking here and getting them settled, everything’s been focused on holiday preparations, but Sadie finds a way to transition the conversation. She starts by discussing her preparations for Gus’s return and the supplies already moved. Sadie shares some of what she’s learned from Caleb about the colony and the struggles they face. Keeping it short, but introducing some possibilities, they listen and occasionally, Clara asks a question.
Sadie allows the information to settle, then returns the focus back to Christmas by offering two gifts. Clara looks through the box of items Sadie hands her as Anna does the same with hers. Smiling at what they contain, both the old and young woman know exactly how they’ll spend their day. While Clara gets to work in the kitchen, Anna turns on a holiday playlist. The music reverberates through the entire compound and even though the young girl’s never heard the songs before, they’re enjoyable nonetheless. Clara, on the other hand, is delighted to hear the familiar tunes and moves about in a jolly good mood.
Carefully removing each bundle from the socks, Anna takes them over to a table set up for her crafts. There are just enough materials to complete the large wreath, laying half-finished on its surface, and nearing its completion, the bunker fills with delicious smells. Intrigued, the girl goes to check.
“Go on, get child. It’s a surprise…you have to wait.” Clara says, shooing her away.
Anna retreats to the living room, finishes the wreath and hangs it on the wall. Stepping back to inspect it, the girl smiles and begins emptying her gift box from Sadie. She has additional projects planned and Sadie’s provided what she needs to complete them. Anna picks a couple of fabrics, and threading a needle, she carefully stitches the red cloth, making sure everyone will have their own stocking.
Overly focused on sewing, Anna fails to notice when Clara enters, bringing them lunch. The girl didn’t realize how hungry she was and as they eat, Anna shares stories about learning to sew. Clara inspects the girl’s work, praises it proudly, and comments on several of the patterns, but a timer goes off and the old woman hustles away. All day Anna sews, Clara bakes and Sadie hunts. By evening, Sadie returns, finding her place looking and smelling spirited. She hasn’t felt such holiday magic since childhood and its return is astonishing.
When Caleb and Jose finally return, it’s to the studio apartment and they’re amazed at the decor. It’s decked out in Christmas cheer as well and what’s even more shocking—the passage to Sadie’s has been left open. Not sure if it was by mistake, on purpose, or if something’s wrong, they set down their belongings and head to the passage, where a short corridor leads to another door. Reaching it, they knock, pause, and then try the handle. It’s locked and not sure what to do, they knock harder. After a pause, it clicks and slowly opens.
Sadie stands in the doorway as the boys suddenly grow self-conscience. When they see her smile, they relax and are ushered inside to the Merry Christmas’s erupting from Clara and Anna. It’s the old woman’s and Caleb’s first meeting, but in pure Clara fashion, she foregoes the handshake, wrapping him in a giant hug. Instantly, he melts, feeling like—it’s—Christmas!
Like Sadie, Caleb hasn’t celebrated since the floods and it’s nice having some form of humanity return. Breaking from the embrace, Caleb genuinely wishes each a Merry Christmas with his attention lingering on Sadie, but Jose’s excitement about the compound erupts in a deluge of questions and she doesn’t have the heart to contain him. It’s too joyous an occasion; so instead, it’s diverted to Anna, who’ll give both him and Caleb a tour.
As they wander off, Cl
ara finishes cleaning from the day spent baking and makes sure all the goodies are tucked away before putting the final touches on dinner. Everything is ready just as Anna wraps up showing the boys around. They sit down, and never before have there been so many people at Sadie’s. The place is alive with conversation as she plays host, answering inquiries about the bunker’s design, capabilities, and features. Finished responding, she shares a few supplies, set specifically aside for each of them. Out of habit, she doesn’t divulge all of her home’s secrets and keeps hidden the extensiveness of what’s stashed away.
Before they turn in for the evening, Sadie returns with the boys to the apartment. As soon as the door closes, Jose once again explodes with information he’s been waiting to share. Both he and Caleb take turns filling Sadie in and she gets just as excited. They talk at great length and come up with a plan before saying good night. Early the next day, Sadie’s up with the boys, moving about in preparation of their surprise. By the time the rest of the bunker wakes, they’ve gotten everything in place. On the way to the kitchen, Anna checks the socks, and, finding them empty, rushes to make sure it’s not a mistake. Her eyes are huge and talking rapidly, she fails to notice all the meat spread across the counters. When she does, it stops her mid-sentence, giving Jose the chance to speak.
“We got a turkey yesterday morning! And then a deer!” He gleams with pride at being able to provide such an incredible bounty.
Even though the turkey’s already plucked and the deer’s cut into manageable sections, there’s still lots of work to be done. Sadie and Clara prepare a brine solution full of fresh herbs to soak the bird while Jose and Caleb finish butchering the venison. They plan to slow-cook a roast for dinner, start a batch of stew to accompany tomorrows feast, and then, cut thin strips for jerky. Each strip is handed to Anna, who coats them with seasoning before filling the dehydrator trays. Random bits and pieces are thrown in a skillet and cooked with onions for a hearty breakfast. Even with all the messy work, the mood is cheery and when Anna turns the music back on, things become even more festive as Jose recognizes the first song and sings along as the adults join in.
When the boys head out to patrol, the women use the opportunity to finish their holiday surprises. They don’t reunite until supper, where they dine on venison. Afterwards, Clara disappears momentarily and returns with a couple of trays. She thanks Sadie again for gifting her the ingredients to make it possible and then talks about her childhood traditions. Clara’s family always gathered on the Eve of Christmas and after a huge meal, her mother would bring out her prized fudge. It was something everyone anxiously awaited and as the old woman talks, she cuts squares, giving each person two different types. Anna and Jose have never tried it before and the adults watch as the kids take their first bite.
Sadie’s not sure which she enjoys more—watching the kids’ reaction or letting the decadent treat melt in her mouth. While they eat, the discussion shifts to which type each one prefers: chocolate or peanut butter. The group gets a laugh when Jose says he can’t decide and needs to try them again. With full bellies, this time it’s Sadie who disappears. When she returns it’s with an armload of gifts wrapped in brown packaging paper and decorated by hand.
“When I was a kid, we got one gift on Christmas Eve.” She says, while passing out the parcels.
“Wait, you don’t have anything,” Caleb says, noticing everyone has something except Sadie.
“But I do,” Sadie says, looking at him, then quickly turning to the others. “I have all of you.”
Clara’s eyes tear with the sentiment and she leans over to whisper with Anna. The girl jumps up, telling them to wait, and returns, handing Sadie a gift skillfully wrapped in cloth. Opening their presents, each of Sadie’s visitors receive new dress clothes, as she explains they’re for tomorrow’s celebration. Sadie, staring at her gift, catches Anna’s eye, then gets up for a hug. Sadie sets the gift—a small, handcrafted piece of artwork painted on deerskin stretched over a wooden frame—on a shelf so it’s on permanent display. It depicts three women, obviously them, and a flower pattern, carefully seared into the material, borders it. Everyone compliments Anna, who reddens with the attention.
The next day, everyone is up early and full of excitement. They eat a simple breakfast and gather in the living room to find a small artificial tree lit up in the corner. It’s another Sadie surprise and underneath it, sits more gifts. A few more are added before they begin opening the bulging socks, finding dried persimmons, packages of fudge, and an assortment of Christmas cookies baked by Clara. When the tree is void of gifts, the group takes their time unwrapping and savoring the experience. The mound surrounding Jose is overwhelming and he’s never owned so many things. There’s a stack of books he can’t wait to read, two new blankets, a sleeping bag, new clothing, several jars of jam and vegetables, an electronic tablet, and one of Sadie’s electric hand chargers.
Sitting next to him is Anna and she’s just as stunned. Her pile is similar, but one gift stands out in its craftsmanship. An exact replica of the giant oak where her parents are buried, made from old copper wire, stripped and twisted to match the tree, is exquisite. The roots wrap around a stone base and Jose explains that all the materials used to make it were from her homestead.
“It’s…beautiful. Thank you,” Anna says, turning it in her hands.
Seeing Jose holding the tablet, Anna scoots closer and tells him it’s the same as the one Sadie gave her. She explains its features and when shown its library, Jose gets even more excited. Caleb organizes his rather large pile that’s full of things he never thought he’d have again. Sadie outdid herself and he feels a little guilty about how much she’s given, especially, considering what she’s already provided. Caleb’s curious about how she’s able to continually supply them with so many things—as her giving seems endless. Putting aside an electric trimmer set, complete with his own charger, and a shaving kit, he looks forward to a clean shave and a real haircut. He folds his new clothes, and stacking them, signals Jose before they excuse themselves with an air of intrigue. Even Sadie has no idea what they’re up to. After a few moments, they return, wearing huge grins.
“Would you ladies…please join us?” Caleb asks.
Curious, the women follow. In the apartment, a square shaped item sits covered by one of Jose’s new blankets. Jose looks to Caleb, Caleb gestures to Jose, and the boy clears his throat.
“I know this…isn’t exactly…the same thing, but I thought you two would love ’em.” Jose gestures for Anna and Clara to come closer and hands each of them an end of the blanket.
On the count of three they lift it, revealing the surprise below, and Anna immediately drops to a knee making cooing noises.
“Oh, child, this is truly wonderful!” Clara wraps Jose in a giant hug while Sadie shares a smile and a look with Caleb that makes his entire holiday.
Inside the portable coop are several quail nervously watching them.
“We thought you could raise ’em…in place of your chickens,” says the boy.
Caleb brags about Jose, who designed the trap that captured them, constructed the travel coop, and then carried it here, but Jose hasn’t taken his eyes off of Anna. She looks up, thanks him, and begins calculating how fast they can increase their covey of birds. They put the caged birds back out in the dilapidated shed before retreating to their duties and personal preparations.
Clara heads to the kitchen for another day full of cooking. The boys spend time recharging the house batteries before cleaning up and Anna sits making alterations to some of the clothes that were a little too big for her and Jose. Before long, Sadie comes over, carrying one last gift. Anna immediately recognizes the material it’s wrapped in and looks at Sadie with uncertainty.
“I found it…while looking for the stockings. I thought…you should have it.”
Anna tentatively takes the gift and holding it, stares for a long time at the package. Sadie sits, watching the various expressions across Anna’s face.<
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“You don’t have to open it.” Sadie says, hoping to ease the girl’s obvious dilemma.
The youngster nods in response, takes a deep breath, and slowly removes the small ribbon. It’s been used over and over throughout her life, and twirling it through her fingers, Anna second-guesses the decision as tears appear. Wiping them away, she gains courage and finishes removing the wrapping paper, uncovering a small jewelry box.
“This was…my mom’s.” Anna slowly lifts the lid, revealing several pairs of earrings. Once again, her eyes overflow with tears, only this time, it takes longer before she’s able to speak. “These…were also hers. I’ve wanted pierced ears for a long time, but my parents always said I wasn’t old enough. I guess…they decided…to…surprise me.”
She breaks down sobbing and leans into Sadie. She, too, is heartbroken for the girl, and they sit until Clara comes checking. Seeing them together, she’s reminded how much of a struggle it is for the girl, as it’s her first Christmas without parents. As Clara nears, Anna shows her the earrings and the three of them head to the kitchen, gathering the required items.
It’s strange, but with each pulsating throb, Anna feels her parents’ presence. The additional weight dangling from her newly pierced lobes feels odd, and realizing it’s more than just the earnings and new dress, Anna feels adult-like for the first time. Everyone else is clean, manicured, and dressed beautifully, too, as the specialness of the occasion isn’t missed. Sadie is the last to enter and Caleb’s mouth hangs ajar as she appears. Sadie hasn’t worn a dress, done her hair, or even put on make-up in years. It feels foreign to her, making her move differently as she carries a bottle across the kitchen. Placing it on the counter, she removes the cork and pours three glasses for the adults and a small taste for each kid. Without speaking, the wine gets passed around. Caleb’s eyes have stayed on Sadie the entire time and she’s very aware of it.