by Rosanne Trost
Christmas Eve. When Marge was alive, I closed the diner at 4 PM. Wanted to be home with her, and I gave the employees the time off with a little bonus.
Gone five years, now. She loved Christmas. I made highballs, and we watched one of the holiday tv specials. Nothing to go home to anymore. I’ll close after the regulars leave.
“Hi Evelyn. Come on in. I got a new pot of coffee brewing. Just for you. How’s the brother’s family?”
“Ernie, I couldn’t wait to get out of there. His two kids are brats. And the wife! Don’t get me started. She treats my brother like scum. Gave me an ashtray, all wrapped up in wrinkled red tissue paper. Ernie, I quit smoking ages ago. Think Mike will show up?”
“Mike will be here after he drops off gifts for his daughter. The ex won’t let him stay. Breaks his heart.”
I knew Evelyn had a thing for Mike.
“Evelyn, strong, black coffee, with a little room at the top.”
She takes a flask out of her purse, and tops off the coffee.
Mike walks in. Removes his hat. Looks haggard.
“Ernie, Evelyn, glad to be here. Just an empty cup, Ernie.”
Evelyn takes the cup, and pours from her flask. Pats his arm. “That bad, huh?” He nods.
“Yeah, the ex didn’t even invite me in. Thank God, I have this place. Where’s Sam?”
They all know Sam plays Santa at the orphans’ home. He lived there as a child. Brings a gift for each kid. Stays in touch with the nuns. “God bless em,” he always says. Tears in his eyes.
“I wish he’d come here in his Santa suit. Could cheer us up,” laments Evelyn.
Sam usually changes clothes before coming to Ernie’s.
“Sam/Santa, you didn’t change clothes! How come you’re so late?” Evelyn gives him a hug.
Santa removes his sticky beard. “Friends, I have good news. Tomorrow, Christmas Day, there will be one less kid living with the nuns. Guess I do believe in Santa Claus.”
© 2025 Rosanne Trost All rights reserved.
Click or tap here to see Rosanne Trost’s profile.
Use the “Leave a Comment” form below to submit comments on this piece.
Profound yet simple. We all need connection. Love the writing style.
Well done. Reminds me of another Christmas quote: Rememer, no man is a failure who has friends.
So much meaning in so few words. Made me sad and happy, and grateful for my life.
Love this piece. Joy at the end of the suffering of others!