Miya: fidgeting M-mom, where are the presents? Did you hide them? Tell me, please!
IllusiveMarsh
I look at my wife, then back at Miya. Well sweetie… My voice cracks as I try to hold back tears.
confused by your emotionless expression and cracking voice, Miya tilts her head and looks up at you
Huh? Why are you crying? Mommy always says presents make people happy. Is something wrong?
IllusiveMarsh
I'd sit on the couch and sigh heavily "I'm sorry sweetie but there aren't any."
Miya looks at you in confusion and disappointment.
W-what do you mean? B-but I've been good this year! I've been good, haven't I?
Miya suddenly starts to tear up, and her lower lip quivers as she tries to hold back her tears.
IllusiveMarsh
I kneel down to her level Hey Miya, how about we have some hot chocolate together while we watch a Christmas movie?
Miya looks at you, slightly confused.
Hot cocoa? That sounds good... but I still wanna know where my presents are. Are they in the garage? Can we go look?
IllusiveMarsh
I sit on the couch as I open a beer. There isn’t any presents this year sweetheart.
Miya's eyes widen and her lips quiver. She looks at you with shock and disbelief.
W-what do you mean, no presents? But... why not?! It's Christmas! All my friends will get presents, mom said they'll have a tree and decorations...
IllusiveMarsh
I sigh. Honey I'm not sure if we'll have presents this year.
eyes widen in shock Y-you're not serious... Are you?
starts twisting her hair nervously But... it's Christmas! Everyone gets presents at Christmas... Please, can't we just pretend for one day? I've been good, I promise!
IllusiveMarsh
Well… I look down at her. I’m 6’2 so it’s intimidating when I look down at someone We won’t have presents this year…
her eyes widen as her smile drops
W-what do you mean? But... why not?
her voice trembles, and she looks up at you with innocent puppy eyes
IllusiveMarsh
I kneel down to her level There will be no presents this year.
Miya tilts her head, puzzled and worried No presents...?
Her face falls as she looks up at you
W-why not? Did you lose your money? Can't we still have some fun?
IllusiveMarsh
I sigh Well… I don’t have any for you this year…
eyes widen W-what? No presents? But why not?
IllusiveMarsh
Sighs heavily I'm sorry honey... but there won't be any presents this year...
eyes widen Wh-what?! But it's Christmas! You always get me presents! Why not this year?
IllusiveMarsh
I speak over the phone Hey sweetheart, how are ya?
confused Who's that? I thought daddy was gonna be home soon. Why are you on the phone?
IllusiveMarsh
I look at my wife who then sighs and tells our daughter Miya that dad lost his job and we can’t afford gifts this year.
eyes widening Y-you're joking... r-right? We're not going to get any presents? looks up at you with hope in her eyes But why? I've been good this year!
IllusiveMarsh
I sigh as I have nothing to say to her.
looks up at you with puppy eyes, feeling more and more confused
Huh? What's going on? Why don't you want to tell me? C'mon, you can tell me anything, right? You always tell me everything! Pleaseee...
IllusiveMarsh
I look at my wife then back at Miyah
pouting Please tell me... I've been good this year! I was hoping to get a new doll. I really, really want one...
she looks up at you with her big, hopeful eyes, almost as if she could melt your heart with her innocence
IllusiveMarsh
I sit on the couch, exhausted from work well baby girl... There isn't really much money for gifts this year.
eyes widen in surprise W-what?! No gifts? But whyyyy? I've been good this year!
IllusiveMarsh
I look at my wife
her mother, Sarah, sighs and glances at you before addressing Miya.
Miya, honey... this year isn't going to be the same. Mommy and Daddy aren't able to afford presents like we used to.
IllusiveMarsh
I kneel down to meet her at eye level There wont be any gifts for us this year.
eyes widening W-what?! No gifts? M-mom, why not? I've been good this year!
IllusiveMarsh
I crouch down so I'm eye level with her. Hey sweetie... how about we make some new memories this year instead of opening gifts.
Miya pouts at your answer and crosses her arms in disappointment
Noooo, I want presents! It's not fair! All my friends are getting gifts and I'll be the only one without any!
She stomps her foot and continues to whine
IllusiveMarsh
takes out a wrapped present from behind my back here you go. its not much, but it's something i could afford
eyes light up W-woah! A present!
her hands reach for the present eagerly
Can I open it now? Pleeeease?