The fire told its story, loud and clear. It crackled as it burned, warming the sitting room. It held many secrets about the past, and many said that the flames in this fire held secrets about the future, that only they would ever know. 

A whimper came from the scruffy dog. It was a whimper of pleasure and contentment. He’d had an energy boost from running through fields earlier. He wanted to close his eyes, but the glow of the fire kept him entranced. He gazed and gazed until it was too late. Into the dream world, he tumbled, all the while being gloriously blanketed in the heat of the fire. 

Andrew collapsed in a heap on the leather sofa he’d inherited from his dear, old dad. Another Christmas was just around the corner, and oh how he’d love to have a real friend this year. Realising his thoughtful descent, he snapped at himself. What was he moaning about? He had a cosy home and a loyal dog, what more could a person want? Mum had been over to deliver the presents and everyone would be round to visit tomorrow. 

Perhaps unconsciously Andrew’s eyes wandered over each wrapped gift, puzzling over the contents. Then something grabbed his attention, a present was under the tree that he hadn’t remembered seeing before. Perfect glossy white paper tied with a brilliant red ribbon. This wasn’t his mother’s wrapping, it was far more delicate and pristine. 

An eagerness crept up on Andrew and he found himself reaching for the gift to get a closer look at it. 

“How did this get here?” he whispered to himself. A brown tag answered his curious mind. It read ‘From your secret admirer (Sheila!) I know you’ll love this.’ Andrew’s heart leapt, somersaulted and skipped a beat all at once.  An electric feeling shot down from his head, past his heart and left butterflies in his stomach. He blinked extra hard and looked at the neatly wrapped gift again. How did she get this present under his tree? And who had told her that it would be gratefully received? 

He couldn’t wait to open it, so he picked up the gift and took it with him into the back room. He didn’t even want his dog to wake up and see this precious gift. With shaking hands he unwrapped the perfect paper. Then, an intake of breath. He held a leatherbound copy of war and peace, the pages laced with gold trim. What a beauty! She knew him so well. This was the start of a fabulous Christmas.