The Frank family lived under a lot of insufficiency and poverty. Christmas time was the only time they got to eat luxurious food and goodies because the mother of the house would bring the groceries and snacks she gets from her employer, Mrs. Keys.

Mrs Frank sometimes received an invitation from her employer to come with the children and spend Christmas with them. On a normal day, she would wake up at 4 A.M. every day to cook porridge for them to eat before they go to school and their granny to the kitchens where she works as a domestic worker. She loves and cares so much for her grandchildren because she is the only parent who look after them after their mother got critically sick and passed on, and their father is never in a picture or ever mentioned. Their grandma was very strict and didn’t want them to speak to strangers or be treated as a charity case.

One afternoon, when they were walking from school, a luxurious car was parked next to them. A well-groomed man inside ordered them to enter. The two quickly remembered what their grandma always said: “No talking to strangers.” The young man inside the car saw their reaction and promised them safety and good hospitality, seeing that the two looked very tired from the very hot sun and a long walk. They looked hungry, too. A twelve-year-old boy finally agreed, seeing that his little sister was too tired. Both Sam and Stella climbed inside the car.

Steve, the driver, offered them his leftover food and juice. The little ones were very happy. They gobbled up the food and ate like they went through the whole week without food. Steve sadly noticed that and wished to assist, but the two stated clearly that their grandma would skin them alive if she got the news. They also asked to get off a bit far from home because the neighbors are their grandma’s eyes and ears. Steve did as they asked. Indeed, they got off, but Steve noticed something as he looked at them; they had a resemblance to her previous girlfriend, who disappeared on him. Well, he didn’t want to cause any scene by asking. He drove on after dropping them.

This didn’t sit well with him; he wanted to see the kids again and even follow them to their homes. Grandma came back a bit late that afternoon, but strangely, she found them looking strong and also playing. When she asked, the kids told her they feel strangely energized without any reason whiles they both knew they ate a lot of luxurious food after school. Grandma started preparing supper because it was getting late already. Again, it was pap and eggs from their trusted chicken named “Gift”.

The following day after school, Steve was so lucky to find them again. They ran towards the car, trusting him now and knowing the luxurious food they would eat. Indeed, they did, but after dropping them off, this time, Steve secretly followed them. To his surprise, the young ones went straight to the location where his previous girlfriend lived.  He even saw the house they went to. He couldn’t believe his eyes because he had a confirmation that the children were his. He quickly followed after them and entered the house. With tears flooding his eyes. “My children!” he exclaimed. With his arms wide open, he welcomed them.

They were all surprised when the news was told about the disappearance of their mother. It was almost Christmas holiday, and Steve booked a beautiful place for all of them to have a feast and have a good time. Finally, Sam and Stella had the Christmas holiday they always longed for. The whole family enjoyed Christmas with a variety of good food, cakes, and sweets, not forgetting their new clothes.

This was written by our contributing writer, Duet Mlotshwa.