Chapitre 45: 45. Dreams of the past

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! Oh, how fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh!"

The distant sound of the children singing a Christmas song can be heard by Mona from the open window of her room. She was lying on her bed and gazing at the night sky filled with twinkling stars.

When the children's voices faded away, she decided to get up and peeked on her window. Beside the small pine tree decorated with strip lights placed on their front gate, was her father giving a small red envelope to the choir's leader.

His face was beaming and obviously looked delighted, mumbling something at the kids. When they finally went ahead to another house, he also went back inside. But before entering, he glanced in her direction, gesturing to come down and join them for dinner. She smiled and nodded, then he continued on his way.