Stormy Story Time

Outside the wind howled like a banshee as it lifted fallen snow up from the banks to dance through the sky with the heavy flakes still falling from above. Branches of the old sycamore tree out front waved back and forth groaning from the weight of the building snow and scratching against the frost coated window pane. The sound drove a chill up Jane's already freezing spine as she hurriedly changed into her footie pajamas. As she pulled up the zipper, she bravely crept to the window sill and peered out. The only thing visible was a small glowing white orb from the street lamp on the corner, its feeble light trying in vain to penetrate the dense wall of fog and snow. It seemed as though the wind had blown away the rest of the world leaving only Jane's house and a single lamp to be buried in the snow. The thought sent yet another chill up her back.

“You're almost ten, Jane,” she whispered to herself. “Stop being such a scaredy cat.”

As though it heard her, a huge gust of wind roared against the house, shaking the window pane violently and chasing her away. She scurried across the room and burrowed under the covers. A second gust rattled the house followed by a thunderous crack and then…

all the lights went out.

Two matching terrified shrieks came from the room across the hall that her little sisters shared. Jane held her breath and squeezed her eyes shut, wanting to scream, too, but trying so hard not to be a scaredy cat.

“It's okay girls, I'm coming,” the sound of Papa calling up the stairs felt like a lifeline, quelling her nerves. She heard his footsteps coming closer, then the door across the hall swung open. A few moments later her door opened and the beam of a flashlight cut through the darkness, revealing Papa in the doorway holding Little Lola in one arm while Ruby clung to his leg. “Janie-bear, you are being so brave but Lola and Ruby are really scared. Mama and I could really use your help with them.”

“Sure, Papa,” Jane actually felt a little less scared knowing Papa thought she was brave.

“That's my girl! Grab your pillow and a blanket and come down to the living room with us."

Jane happily leapt from bed following his instructions, then held out her hand for Ruby to hold while they followed Papa down to the dark hallway to the stairs.

Lola sniffled loudly, "Why's it so dark, Papa?"

"The storm broke a branch on the tree outside and it knocked down a power line. There's not going to be any electricity for a while." Papa explained.

Lola's little lip quivered so much it was visible even in the faint glow from the flashlight, "Will the 'tricity be on in time for Christmas?"

Papa shook his head, "I'm not sure honey. I don't think the repair men will be able to get here until the storm ends and its supposed to last all night."

Ruby's eyes went wide and she gasped, "Then how will Santa find our house?" Giant tears spilled over her chubby freckled cheeks.

"Don't worry Ruby, Christmas has a way of finding us with or without Santa or electricity," Papa sounded so sure, but even Jane worried that tomorrow would be nothing but a disappointment.

Then they got to the bottom of the stairs where Mama was just finishing the lighting of two lanterns and three candles. The soft orange glow from the flickering flames melted away the chill in Jane's back. Their light danced across the tree in the corner, making the ornaments twinkle cheerfully. Mama pulled the cushions and pillows off the couches and chairs, tossing them in a pile on the floor in front of the black lava rock fireplace and topped them with three giant quilts, making a fluffy nest. The girls happily snuggled into it with their own pillows and blankets while Papa built a fire. Mama pulled a small pile of favorite books from the shelf in the corner.

Outside, the wind continued to howl as snow piled higher and higher, burying the fallen branch from the sycamore tree and the power lines it knocked down. But inside, Jane and her sisters nestled between Mama and Papa, snug and warm. No chill from the storm could penetrate the coziness. The girls listened to stories of a not so perfect Christmas tree, a crabby present thief, and a puppy ready to deliver presents for Santa. As Mama and Papa took turns making voices and using their hands to make shadow puppets on the ceiling, the girls' fears and worries started to melt into laughter and wonderment. Before long, Lola's giggles became soft snores and finally Ruby drifted off with a small smile still on her little lips.

As she felt sleep tugging at her heavy eyelids, Jane stared at the Christmas tree in the corner, aglow from firelight instead of twinkly lights. With the storm still raging outside, she was sure Santa would never be able to find her house tonight. But Jane wasn't worried. Mama and Papa transformed a terrifying and stormy night into a magical Christmas Eve, they'd make sure Christmas found them, with or without Santa or electricity. With that final thought, Jane surrendered to the sweet embrace of her dreams.