[Special thanks to jbravo556 for reading, editing and suggesting modifications.]
Chapter 1
"Honey," Mom asked at the other end. "Are you coming home this Christmas?"
I looked reluctantly at the phone in my hand. I had no intentions of going home. There could be no better way to ruin a holiday than to go to my hometown, a remote little hill town far off in the north. People say it's a beautiful place, may be. But in this season, the end of December, when the whole town will be covered under tons of snow and with its sub zero temperature; it does not look like a dream holiday to me. Further, our own house was miles away from town, making it even more remote. I tried to remember the winters, the thunderous snowstorms and the numerous occasions when our whole family was trapped in our house for days before the roads were cleared and we could get a chance to get out of the house and to visit the town. I could never figure out why my parents decided to build their house at such a remote place. Throughout my childhood I dreamt of the day when I would leave that place, never to return. And when I got admission to a college at a far off city, I was the happiest man in the whole universe.
Now my mom was asking me to spend my Christmas holiday with her. The place I left about one and half years ago. No way, I can't go there; I had already made my decision.
"Honey, are you there?" Mom was anxious. I came out of my reverie.
"I would love to, but," I did not want to hurt mom so I lied. "You see mom, I've already fixed my program with Carla and I can't say no to her now."
Mom knew that Carla was my girlfriend. She had met her during her last visit some six months back. What she did not know that we had already parted our ways and I've been living alone for the last month.
"I know, you must be having your own engagements," Mom seemed desperate. "But can't you come for one day only? You know, your father is also away and he'll not be here for the next two weeks. I am all alone this Christmas. Why don't you let me talk to Carla? I'm sure she'll agree for you to visit me for one day."
"She is not here right now," I lied again, "But I know she will not like the idea. You know her nature mom. I am sorry mom; I will not be able to come this time. Perhaps next year..."
"Do you remember, last year you promised me to visit this Christmas." Mom's voice was hoarse; perhaps she was crying. "Anyway, if you don't want to be with your mom, it's ok, I can't force you."
I put the receiver back. But I was not happy. I loved my mother very deeply, and I wanted to be with her. The only difficulty was that I didn't want to go to that place which I detested so much. I knew that asking mom to come to me wouldn't work, as she would never leave her home during the holidays. She firmly believed in celebrating the holidays at home with family and friends. I felt pity for her.
I tried to concentrate on my work, but my mind was not into it. I was still thinking about mom, her sad voice still reverberating in my ears. Mom was the only one that mattered to me in my entire family. Ours was a small family - mom, dad, my older sister Carolyn and myself. Carol was two years older than I, and she was now in England with her husband. Though I had very good relationship with my sister, I never felt attached to her the way I felt to my mom.
While growing up in that small hilly town it was mom who was always with me. In my every moment of triumph, every moment of sorrow it was mom who cheered me up and consoled me. She was there when I had my first heartbreak. She was the one who encouraged me to be a good athlete, an equally good student; she was the one who initially sponsored my admission to college and supported me financially till I was self-sufficient. Dad was never there. He was too busy with his business and with his hunting and booze parties. Mom always had a special place in my life, and it was unbearable for me to see her hurt. I knew she was.
I put down my pen and paper. I realized I couldn't stick to my earlier decision. It might not be a bad idea to celebrate Christmas with mom. After all, I was alone here and it would be much better to be with mom rather than staying in my big city apartment with no friends around. College was closed for Christmas and most of the students were already gone home. I could very well be back in three days, and then I would be free to celebrate New Year.
Finally, I dialed her number. She responded immediately as if she were still near the phone.
"Mom! It's me, Ted." I had to lie again. "I have talked with Carla, and she has agreed. I am coming home on Christmas Eve."
"Are you?" She was thrilled, her voice resonating with excitement.
"Yeah, mom. But I'll be there for only one day and in any circumstance I'll return on the twenty-sixth."
"I am more than happy son," Mom's voice was beaming with delight. "I promise that I won't ask for anything else. I'll make arrangement for your journey."
"Don't worry mom," I smiled at her impatience. "I have sufficient money; I'll reach home by Christmas Eve."
"I am looking forward for your visit, son." Mom replied. "I have a nice little surprise for you."
"I'd love to see it. OK mom, bye."
"Bye son, I love you."
"I love you too mom." I cut the phone.
***
When I reached my hometown on Christmas Eve, it was already snowing. Patches of snowflakes were falling, and I had a gut feeling that the weather would not improve in coming days. The snowfall appeared to be heavy this year, as the whole town seemed to be covered with a thick blanket of snow. I was afraid if the weather deteriorated further, I might not be in a position to return on my planned date.
I got off the bus and took a cab to my house. On the way there everything was covered with heavy snow. The only exception was the roads that were cleaned regularly, but I knew that in case of a very heavy snowfall or an ice storm it would be very difficult to maintain the roads in clean condition, especially roads leading to remote areas away from the town, which are not frequented by many drivers. My house was located in such an area, and it had happened in the past when it had taken more than forty-eight hours before the roads were cleared again. Again, I had a hunch that this year would be the same.
The cab was approaching my house and even from a distance I could see the darkened silhouette of our house against the snowy backdrop, light was coming from its windows. The whole house, the roof and the whole front yard seemed to be buried in a thick fur of snow.
The cab stopped at our driveway. I took my bag, paid the driver and went over to the front door. Before I could push the doorbell, the door flung open. Mom was standing at the door beaming with delight and with her old infectious smile, her eyes wet with happiness. But, there was something else, my mother appeared to be completely changed. She was thinner, much thinner since I last saw her and she looked much younger and prettier.
"Oh, honey." Mom hugged me and kissed my forehead. "Can't say how happy I am today. You made my day."
"Mom!" I couldn't hide my surprise. "You look so thin, so young, I can't believe it."
"That's the little surprise I was talking about on the phone." Mom smiled with a bit of pride. "I've lost almost thirty pounds in the last six months."
"That's great mom. You really look very thin and, I must admit, very beautiful. Dad must be paying special attention to you nowadays."
"Thanks, Ted." There was a mild change in her stare, but she immediately controlled herself. "Now lets go inside. I am freezing here."
She took me inside and locked the main door. The temperature inside the lounge was very comforting and after such a long journey in extreme cold it felt wonderful. Mom led me near the fireplace and asked me to sit on the sofa. I removed my jacket and gloves and sat near the fireplace trying to warm up my frozen limbs.
"It's very cold outside. Why don't you relax and I will make a cup of coffee for you." She walked towards kitchen. "That's going to make you fine."