#Chapter 89: The Confession

Ruby “Wake up, Ruby! Wake up! It’s Christmas!” I’m awoken by Tamara, who is jumping excitedly on my bed. When she sees my eyes open, she falls down to her knees next to me, giggling. “Merry Christmas, little rabbit,” I say, reaching out and pinching her cheek. The sun has just barely begun to rise, but Tamara is already wide awake, excited to see what gifts Santa Claus has left for us. Soon, I think she’ll stop believing in Santa, although admittedly I dread those days. Seeing the magic in my little sister’s eyes every Christmas, even when we were living in poverty and I could barely afford a single gift, has been what has made me still love Christmas even after our parents died. My mind flickers briefly to the brooch and the oddly familiar mystery buyer from last night, but I decide not to let it bother me. It’s just a brooch; sure, it was a valuable artifact, but it’s okay. I know that my mother wouldn’t have been upset with me for selling it like I did.