The Present

“Billy, come for your present.'

“Why not bring it down here? I’ll open it in front of everyone else.'

Toby hesitated. “I can’t.'

“Can’t?' Then Billy understood. It must have been too big to bring down.

“It’s in my room,' said Toby.

The pair excused themselves and walked upstairs, which caused Billy’s heart to pound. He didn’t know why; he wasn’t unfit.

Toby opened his door. Both stepped inside.

“There’s nothing here,' said Billy.

“Look up,' whispered Toby.

Above Billy, completely out of place, hung a piece of mistletoe. Yet Billy felt it the most natural present to find there.

Jonathan Hill Merits