—*ALISON*—

A jolt of disbelief pins me to the spot as I stare at Santa.

It’s really him.

But… what’s he doing here?

I rub my eyes, half-expecting the sight to vanish—but it doesn’t.

He’s still there.

My heart leaps as the sleigh glides through the air, weaving effortlessly between the buildings, bells jingling with every turn.

Then it shifts—toward me, toward my window.

Wait. What?

It’s coming straight at me.

I scramble back on my bed, stopping when my back hits the wall.

The sleigh pulls up right outside my window, and Santa, a big brown sack slung over his shoulder, jumps off.

He lands on the windowsill, wobbles,...