It seemed like a good idea at the time, taking her kids to the Mall for the annual Christmas photos with Santa. Her husband was out of town and it would give Claire a chance to kill a few hours. Most of the Christmas shopping had been done, the tree was up and decorated, and she only had a few more presents to wrap. And who knows, maybe she would get lucky and find the Santa of her dreams.
It was early afternoon and the Mall wasn't too crowded. The line of kids waiting to get their pictures taken with Santa was short, less than a five minute wait. But it was enough time for her older son to announce that he wouldn't stand in line, and he definitely wouldn't have his picture taken with Santa, "not this year, not ever again."
Her younger child still semi-believed in Old Saint Nick, and was having great fun standing in line with the other kids, talking about all the presents he expected.
Finally it was their turn. The little boy climbed on Santa's lap, Santa asked if her son had been naughty or nice, made the required minute of kid talk about presents wished for, and the photographer took the pictures, two poses to choose from.
Claire's son climbed down and they were about to leave when Santa asked if she would like to have her picture taken.
"I hadn't … hadn't thought about it," Claire started to stammer. This wasn't like her, being at a loss for words.
"It will only take a minute, and it will be something to show your friends at the Christmas party."
Her younger son ran over to his older brother, as Claire slowly walked the few steps to the Santa set. Both her sons started to giggle as Claire sat on Santa's lap and she couldn't help blushed a bright shade of red.
"And what is your name, little girl?" Santa began with the usual opening.
"Claire."
"And how old is Claire?"
