Christmas was supposed to be a magical time of year, but for me, the excitement had worn off. My dad had remarried a few months ago, and his new wife, Melanie, made sure I felt like an outsider in my own home. She wasn’t cruel, but her constant criticism and condescending tone made me feel like I was walking on eggshells.
My dad had given me a beautifully wrapped gift with strict instructions not to open it until Christmas morning. I had been staring at it all night, wondering what could be inside. But when I woke up on Christmas morning, I was met with a surprise. Melanie was kneeling in front of the tree, my gift in her hands.
“What are you doing?” I asked, trying to keep my cool.
Melanie turned to face me, a smug smile on her face. “Just taking a little peek,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Your dad always spoils you, Anna. Let’s see if he finally got something useful.”
I felt a surge of anger, but before I could respond, Melanie ripped off the wrapping paper, revealing a black velvet ring box and a folded letter. Her eyes scanned the page, and her face turned white.
“What is it?” I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
Melanie’s eyes darted up to mine, filled with a mix of shock and horror. “It’s… it’s from your dad,” she stuttered.
I took a step closer, my heart racing. “What does it say?”
Melanie’s voice trembled as she read aloud. “If you’re reading this, it means you’ve done exactly what I suspected. I overheard your conversation with your sister… about taking Anna’s gift for yourself.”
I felt a wave of satisfaction wash over me. My dad had known all along what Melanie was capable of.
The letter went on to say that Melanie had failed the final test, and my dad was ending their marriage. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
Melanie’s face crumpled as she realized the truth. She had been caught red-handed, and now she was facing the consequences.
My dad walked into the room, a calm expression on his face. “Pack your things, Melanie. You’re leaving today.”
The rest of Christmas was a blur. Melanie left, and my dad and I spent the day together, just the two of us. We made pancakes, watched old movies, and laughed together.
As the night drew to a close, my dad handed me another gift. Inside was the same ring box and a new letter, this one addressed to me.
I opened it, my heart full of emotion. “Anna, you’re the best thing in my life,” my dad wrote. “I hope this Christmas marks a new beginning for both of us. I love you more than anything.”
I looked up at my dad, tears in my eyes. “I love you too, Dad.”
In that moment, I knew that everything was going to be okay. My dad and I were starting a new chapter, one without Melanie’s toxic influence. And as I looked at the ring, now rightfully mine, I knew that this Christmas would be one I would never forget.
