The Girl Who Waited

“I knew you would come,” she uttered, beaming up at him.

“Did you now?” the towering figure replied back. “How could you be so sure?”

“Because you said you would, and you always keep your promise.”

The rotund figure smiled back at her. “Well, I try to, as best I can.” He winked, an amusing expression on his visage. “And what is so important for you to wait for me on this night half buried in the sleet?”

“My wish,” her curt but polite reply.

“Ah, a gift you are looking for.”

“You promised.”

His smile grew wider. “Yes, I did. You’re quite correct. It would be bad manners for me to disappoint you now.”

With a quick gesture he procurred a small parcel form his sleeve and handed it to her.

 “Here you are.” 

It was neatly wrapped in thick paper with a curlicue ribbon holding it in place. She looked from the present up at him and he silently nodded permission given for her to look at its contents. She unbinded the outer layers to find an equisitely decorated leather bound tome. Despite its size it was realatively light. She flipped it over to look at the back cover. 

“Thank you,” she happily uttered squeezing it tight to her chest. 

“You’re very welcome.”

“It’s what I’ve always wanted.” 

“I know.”

She looked at him. 

“I always know,” he said truthfully.

She understood perfectly. “Can I wait for you again next time?” she asked.

“Of course, you can,” he replied.

She didn’t know what else to say, but again, “Thank you.”

He bent down and kissed her forehead, gently smoothing her ginger curls from her eyes.