Page 11 of The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas
It did not include Avery.
Avery had no family.
“Will there be anything else, sir?” Daniel asked.
“Oh. No.” Avery blinked rapidly. He smiled. “Thank you, Daniel. I will be in my library.”
“Of course, sir.” Daniel bowed and left.
Avery watched the faun trot down the hallway on his hoofed feet. For a split second, Avery considered asking if Daniel would like to join him. They could have tea. Or hot chocolate, if Daniel felt festive. Daniel might like to read one of his books or sit in the armchair and keep warm by the fire.
Avery shoved that thought away.
It was not appropriate to make friends with the servants. He’d learnt that when he’d made friends with a previous butler. When his father had arrived once to see Avery taking tea in thedrawing room with his butler, he’d been horrified. They were “the help.” Not friends.
His father had fired the butler and sent the poor man on his way. Afterwards, Avery had sent the butler a generous bonus and an excellent reference. Luckily, he now had a very good job as a butler in another house. Since then, Avery had not made friends with “the help.”
So now he had no friends.
Avery turned and walked to the library, closing himself in. The fire blazed and crackled, warming the room. He dropped into the armchair, running his hand over the armrest. His father’s family, including the future in-laws, would no doubt have a wonderful dinner tonight. He could almost picture them, laughing and eating together, so happy to be in one another’s company.
Swallowing, Avery stood and strode across the room. He should read a book. Reading a book always lifted his spirits. He needed a comfort read, something perfect for the holiday season. Pulling a book from the shelf, he ran his fingers over the worn pages. He’d read this book hundreds of times. He’d practically memorised it.
Avery returned to his spot before the fire. He read the title,Susie and Tommy Decorate for Christmas: A Christmas Classic.Carefully, he opened the book to the inscription on the front page.
To my dearest Avery,
This was my favourite book when I was a child. I look forward to reading it to you when you are old enough to understand the words.
Merry Christmas.
Love, Mother
Tears prickled in Avery’s eyes for a mother he couldn’t remember. This had been a gift, a Christmas gift. The onlyChristmas gift he’d ever received from her. Or the only gift he knew of. He didn’t remember receiving it, of course. But it was proof, proof that Avery had been loved. At least by one person in his life.
He began to read. The familiar words moved before his eyes. The images built in his mind of a family, of warmth and love at Christmastime. He imagined what would have happened if his mother had lived and if she’d been there to read this book to him as a child. He wondered if she’d read it to him when he’d been a baby when he’d slept in his dragon form.
Avery really hoped she had.
“Susie is hogging all the garland,” Tommy called out.
What would it have been like to have a sibling, not a half-sibling who didn’t know you’d ever been born? But a real sibling, one to fight and make up with and then celebrate Christmas with.
“Now, children, there is enough garland for both of you,” their mother called from the kitchen.
Avery tried to imagine his mother scolding him and an imaginary sibling. He had a picture of his mother. A small painting his father had commissioned before she’d died. His mother had had dark hair and eyes. There wasn’t much resemblance between Avery and his mother. He took after his father.
“I’m going to make a wreath to hang on the door!” Tommy yelled.
“No, I’m going to make a wreath to hang on this door!” Susie cried.
Avery smiled. He wished he could decorate his home with a sibling and parent.
Avery looked up. Of course he could decorate his home. He could put up a wreath, tree, and garlands. He could fill the library with baubles and Christmas figures. He could fit themaround his books. For a moment, he almost pictured his books surrounded by mounds of glistening decorations.
A pleased rumble started in his chest.
But decorating should be shared. Avery pressed his lips together. In all the books he’d read, decorations were not enjoyed alone. Sometimes a character would decorate on their own, but then others would come and enjoy them. They’d sit around the decorations, opening presents, drinking hot drinks, and marvelling at the festive ornaments.
