December 25. “Button, another 6 days and it’ll be the end of another year!”

“Unbelievable.”

“Also, once the door to your room is opened, I’ll have to take you in for a good scrub. You must be covered with dust. Do you like bathing?”

“I don’t but you’ve got to see me to believe that my colour has changed from a rich brown to a dirty brown. I’ll definitely need a thorough scrub to regain my lost sheen.”

“Don’t you worry—I’ll make you squeaky clean in no time.”

“Has your mom come?”

“Oh yes, she has. And I must say she’s looking rather good. Thank god she hasn’t lost any more weight.”

“That’s good news. So your desire to get her here and have her spend Christmas and the New Year with you clicked.”

“Yes. I am so glad.”