Ginger explodes on her tongue, bringing memories of childhood with it. Memories of baking with her Oma in her tiny kitchen while she yelled at the boys to stop eating the dough. Her laughter ripples around them, Sebastian hugs Tinley and growls like a bear as he takes a huge bite.
Elizabeth watches, laughing, she eats and reaches up to take Aiylin’s hand. “Thank you,” she whispers hoarsely. Her voice is thick with emotion.
Aiylin sits next to her and hugs her close. “Thank you for sharing your home with me this week. I selfishly made these because it reminded me of home. I’m happy you like them.”
Elizabeth tells them stories of her childhood in Germany, and soon, Tinley is yawning, exhausted from being up late.
“Time for bed, little one,” Sebastian calls out.
“Tell me the story, Oma?” Tinley pleads.
Oma smiles, “I promised I would. Go on up and get your nightdress on. I’ll be right there. I’m ready to turn in too.”
“Please, can Aiylin come?” Tinley begs.
“I would be happy to help,” Aiylin says and assists Elizabeth up.
Sebastian watches and frowns with concern. He’s only just realizing that his Mother looks tired. If only she would come home with them. Maybe Aiylin can help talk to her.
They walk slowly from the room while Tinley races ahead. Sebastian follows her to the door and stops them.
“Good night, Mother,” he kisses her forehead softly and turns to Aiylin.
“Thank you, Aiylin.”
“You’re welcome,” she murmurs and avoids his gaze, afraid that he will see the emotions raging through her.
Tinley is giggling and arranging her pillows just right on her bed so Oma can tell the story. The rocker is ready, and the fire is burning bright, warming the room.
Aiylin sits in the picture window, while Elizabeth settles into her rocker. “What story shall it be tonight?”
“Oma! You know which one,” she laughs and yawns.
“Indeed I do,” she smiles and leans forward.
“No one knows where the lantern came from, nor do they understand the source of its heat.”
Tinley nods and listens with rapt attention.
“Some say it is the magic of Christmas that gives it light, others say if you make a wish under the lantern, your most secret wishes will come true.” Elizabeth’s eyes glaze over as she remembers her childhood.
Aiylin listens with a small smile.
Tinley yawns, “Once were you were little you snuck outside,” her eyes close.
“Exactly. I knew it was naughty, but my Papa was away working on the railroads, and I desperately wanted him to come home again. I’d have given anything for one of his big hugs.”
“What happened?” Aiylin asks softly pulling the covers up over Tinley. She grabs Aiylin’s hand and pulls her onto the bed.
“Stay,” she pleads.
Aiylin sits and snuggles up with Tinley.
“It was the clearest night, and the brightest stars were shining in the winter sky. I dressed in my boots, coat, and gloves, not forgetting my scarf, for the wind was up, and I didn’t want to be sick when Papa came home.”
“Was the lantern glowing?” Tinley asks.
“Yes, a brilliant glow that seemed to light the path from the front door to the lantern.”
Tinley glances out the window and back. “You were very brave, Oma,” she whispers.
“Sometimes, we must be brave.” Elizabeth smiles at Aiylin, “I made my way to the lantern and stood beneath, closing my eyes tightly. The warmth surrounding it surprised me, and I opened my eyes. Something drew me closer, and I reached out to touch it, and it was warm!”
Aiylin’s eyes fly open wide in surprise. Elizabeth smiles at her and nods. “All around me, the snow blew, but beneath the heat of the lantern, I was safe and sheltered. It felt almost magical.”
“Yes,” Tinley nods off and rolls over with her blanket.
Elizabeth keeps rocking, “That is when I heard the whisper on the wind. Make a wish. I knew what I needed to do then. I made my wish, and the lantern flickered!”
“It did!” Aiylin gasps.
Elizabeth nods, “That very next morning, my Daddy came home!”
Aiylin’s eyes flick to the window, and she falls quiet. “That’s beautiful. Christmas magic in your front yard.” Aiylin is enchanted as she stands up and covers Tinley.
“It only chooses certain people,” Elizabeth whispers.
“What?” Aiylin asks.
“Only certain people are gifted with a Christmas Wish. You must be careful. Choose your words carefully, Aiylin.” Elizabeth rocks and looks over her grand-daughter.
“I see,” she straightens and walks over to the window seat to look out at the softly glowing lantern. “It looks like any other lantern,” she murmurs.
“Tinley used her wish. She’ll never have another one. I hope she didn’t waste it.”
“Sebastian told me that she wished for a new mother.” She turns to look at Elizabeth, “You know it was merely a coincidence that I came the next day.”
“Some see a coincidence, some see a wish coming true,” Elizabeth yawns and walks to the door.
“Good night, sleep well, Aiylin. I’m glad you’ve come. No matter the reason. Don’t break my son’s heart. He’s had enough loss.” She leaves before Aiylin can respond.
Glancing out at the lantern, she sighs heavily before sitting on the windowsill.
Chapter 17
Aiylin walks to her room and grabs her guitar and journal. She is desperate for a place to play. “Christmas wishes,” she mumbles and the light in the great room draws her inside. It seems to have grown softer as the fire starts to smolder. Sebastian must have gone to bed. Relief rushes through her. Sitting near the hearth, she drops a log on the fire and stokes the embers before sitting back with a chill.
Picking up her guitar, she
