Two Empty Chairs At Christmas

Let’s keep their apartment through Christmas someone suggested. Although their mother was gone, and their dad had been arrested. He will be back, right? An optimist asked, eager to think the best. Doubtful, one replied. He embezzled bunches to feather his nest. But the kids kept the apartment, where they came for Christmas Eve. They brought their childhood stories and told them without reprieve. The times they had shoplifted, making their scoundrel dad proud. Many didn't understand, said some, laughing loudly, a holiday crowd. This was the last Christmas these siblings would all be together. They enjoyed sharing favorite food and staying out of the weather. When they said good bye, they did not embrace or overreact. Not realizing it was the last time, now a well-known family fact.