Where Was She

I remember it as yesterday the disastrous event when I couldn’t find the dolly that for Susie’s sock was meant. My folks and all the others had gathered there to see the small school’s Christmas program and community Christmas tree. I came up on the darkened stage in my role of Santa Claus. I found Johnny’s skates and Nellie’s book and then there was a pause. Susie’s sock hangs lank and lean as I search the flour-sack bag for the doll I knew was in there. My high spirits start to sag. The seconds turned to minutes. The minutes seemed like hours. I wished the sky to fall on me or at least some meteor showers. I heard the teacher whisper, “It’s okay. Get off the stage”. I was the most downhearted Santa of six years or any age. Many, many years have passed and it’s still a mystery how that doll could hide herself when I searched so desperately. July 4, 11