Title: Cookies

Author: Silver Sparkz

Summary: A mother and daughter walk through the streets of New York on Christmas Eve.

Author’s Notes: Just a little bit of slightly depressing sweetness as a present for my faithful reviewers. Happy Holidays.

“We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Good tidings we bring, to you and your king, good tidings for Christmas, and a Happy New Year.” The carolers sang happily, as the woman and little girl waded through the ankle-deep slush, hurrying to get inside their tiny apartment before it snowed again.

“Mommy, what’th tidingth?” The little girl lisped; her brown eyes alight with curiosity.

“Tidings, Emily, are news, or hopes. In the case of that song, it means they bring them good hopes. They’re wishing them well.” Her mother – Annie – replied.

“Like we with Daddy and Suthie well, Mommy?” Emily asked, referring to her little sister and father, who were both in hospital, Daddy – Jack – with a tumor, and Susie with scarlet fever. Annie smiled sadly, reminded of Jack, who she was pretty sure wasn’t going to make it. The latest round of chemo had failed, and they were going to put him through radiation in a week, to see if that worked. A tear trembled on her lashes, threatening to fall. What they really needed was a Christmas miracle.

“Yes, baby.” She whispered, “Like we wish Daddy and Susie well. C’mon, let’s go inside and have some hot chocolate.”

“With cookieth, Mommy? We alwayth have cookieth at Cwithmath.” Emily said reproachfully.

“Yes, Emmie,” Annie took her hand, and led her inside the dingy apartment with its one attempt at holiday cheer, a small, forlorn Christmas tree with a tiny pile of gifts, and lots of handmade ornaments. “With cookies.”

Fin.