For Polly, Christmas had always been spent with family. This
was the first year she has to stay away from her kind and things weren’t
turning out as she expected. She wished she had more money to decorate the
house or the entrance like Mrs. Grangeller had decorated hers. Maybe she could
get a star, but the poor girl was running short on cash.
Late on Christmas Eve, Polly kept an envelope as a gift for
Mrs. Grangeller outside her door amongst her tree and all the other
decorations. When Mrs. Grangeller opened the door early morning, she was
surprised to see the envelope. She quickly opened it to find a beautiful
picture of her entrance and a letter. She read it out to herself.
“Dear Mrs. Grangeller,
I never did officially introduce myself to you and for that
I apologise. Times have been tough for me, especially since it is the Holiday
season and I am catching onto any hope that I can find.
Your decorations are nostalgic. They remind me of my home
and of better times. They are the motivation that helps me push myself even
when I would rather quit.
I hope you like the picture I clicked. I would love to take
a similar one of you in front of it, if you will allow me. Merry Christmas and
a big thank you for everything.
Your Neighbour,
Polly Smith”
Mrs. Grangeller kept the letter in the envelope and got busy
with preparing things for her Christmas lunch. Once everything was ready, she
got dressed and climbed a floor to knock on the Smith’s door.
“Mrs. Grangeller!” said Polly in surprise.
“Call me Granny, everyone calls me that,” said the old lady.
“I am so sorry, do come in,” said Polly.
Granny entered the house and looked around. Nothing, no
lights, no ornaments, no wreaths, not even a Christmas tree. So she asked the
girl, “Not even a Star?”
For a few seconds, Polly just hung her head down, then
pursing her lips closely, she said, “It was either the star or the picture.”
“Very well. I assume, you haven’t cooked anything Christmassy
either,” stated Granny.
Polly nodded in a negative.
“Why are you here?”
Granny asked her.
“In search of a job. I wanted to work with the legendary
photographer Joseph Michaels, but his staff never lets me meet him. And I have
already tried other places; they don’t want to trust a newbie. I don’t want to
go home and work in a regular 9 to 6 job. I have done that and can’t do that
anymore,” confessed Polly.
“Too much of a sob you are. No one should spend their
Christmas alone. Come to my house in an hour’s time. And no need to get me
anything either. You have already gifted me something beautiful. Just get some
more photographs that you clicked,” said Granny and walked towards the door.
When Polly went down an hour later, Granny introduced her to
all her friends. Then she told Polly, “My younger brother Jay is in the kitchen
keeping an eye on the roast, go and show him your pictures. He may be able to
help you out.”
Polly did as she was told and found Granny’s brother a
softie like her. Polly felt like family amongst Granny’s guests and waited till
the end with Jay to help Granny clean up.
When Jay was leaving, he kissed Polly on the cheek and said,
“Kiddo, I would love to have you join me and my team. Come on over to the
office after the holidays.” Then he gave her his card and said, “I will inform
my staff about you. But if you have any trouble then just show them my business
card or call me.”
Polly looked at the card and excitedly told
Granny, “Why didn’t you tell me that Jay’s actual name is Joseph Michaels?”
“Because you didn’t ask me,” said Granny and winked. Then
she saw Polly opening the door and asked, “You are off so soon?”
Polly returned to take her camera and said, “Come on Granny,
we still have to take your pic in front of the Christmas tree. You didn’t think
I forgot, did you?”
And while Granny made a fuss, in the end she was the perfect
model. Polly and granny captured memories that would last them a lifetime. And
this was just the beginning of a long friendship.
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