But Christmas plans never came.
Every year, they hosted at one of their homes. This year, I didn’t even know who was hosting. My calls went unanswered, and worry settled in.
Two days before Christmas, I finally opened up to my neighbor, Lorena Atkinson. We sat in my living room with coffee and cookies as I poured my heart out.
“They’ll call, Vickie,” she said gently. “I’m sure of it.”
“I don’t know,” I replied, gripping my mug. “They’ve never acted like this. What if they don’t invite me? What will I do?”
“If they don’t, you’ll come to my place,” she said firmly. “But I don’t see why they’d be upset. There’s nothing wrong with your job.”
Lorena lived in the penthouse of our building, where her family gathered every Christmas. Her home was always full of warmth and laughter.
Still, all I wanted was my own family.
Christmas morning arrived without a call.
I cried as I looked at the presents under my tree and cooked breakfast alone. Then, suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
It must be Lorena, I thought sadly.
When I opened the door, joyful voices burst out.
“Surprise!”
My children and grandchildren stood there, smiling.
I gasped, tears spilling as I clutched my chest.
“What are you doing here?”
“We’re spending Christmas with you, Grandma!” my granddaughter Elizabeth shouted, rushing inside with a big gift. The others followed, running straight to the tree.
“Let’s settle down first,” Marina said, then turned to me. “Sorry we didn’t call. This was… kind of last minute.”
“Come in,” I said, smiling through tears.
Marina’s husband and Matthew’s wife hugged me warmly. Matthew entered last.
When our eyes met, my heart ached—until he pulled me into a tight embrace.
“I’m so sorry, Mom,” he whispered. “I didn’t know how to handle seeing you at the store.”
“Were you embarrassed?” I asked softly.
“At first, yes,” he admitted. “But then your neighbor called me. And I realized I was ashamed of myself.”
“My neighbor?” I asked.
“Yes. Mrs. Atkinson. She had my number in case of emergencies. She told me off for ignoring you and said I should be ashamed of having a successful business while my mother was struggling.”
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