The 13th Gift by Joanne Huist Smith - Excerpt

8/10/2019 The 13th Gift by Joanne Huist Smith - Excerpt

1/19


2/19
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3/19

Ni tfb twbletf `ay ne Cfrmstdas,

dy trub lnvb sbit tn db

Pwblvb `ruddbrs `ruddmik,

Blbvbi pmpbrs pmpmik,

Pbi lnr`s a-lbapmik,

Imib la`mbs `aicmik,

Bmkft dam`s a-dmlgmik,

Sbvbi swais a-swmddmik,

Smx kbbsb a-laymik,

Emvb knl`bi rmiks,

Enur callmik omr`s,

Pfrbb Erbicf fbis,

Pwn turtlb `nvbs,

Ai` a partrm`kb mi a pbar trbb!


4/19

Enrbwnr`

@bar _ba`brs,M lbarib` tfb lyrmcs tn Pfb Pwblvb @ays ne Cfrmstdas carnl as a

gm` mi kraddar scfnnl cfnmr, wfbi tfb dakmc ne tfb fnlmày sbasni

stmll fillb` db wmtf a sbisb ne wni`br ai` pnssmomlmty, a rbads-cndb-

trub dbitalmty. Zartrm`kbs ai` pbar trbbs, la`mbs àicmik ai` lbap-

mik lnr`sM fa` tfnukft tfb wnr`s ne tfb tuib earcmcal. M `mìt ginw

tfbi tfat tfb gby tn fappmibss was fm``bi wmtfmi mts smlly staizas.

M fa` spbit dy lmeb kraspmik at tfnsb fivb knl`bi rmiks8 a fusoai`,

tfrbb fbaltfy cfml`rbi, ai` a cndenrtaolb fndb. Pfbi hust obenrb

Cfrmstdas mi 1===, dy oblnvb` fusoai` `mb` mi tfb imkft, ai` M rb-

almzb` dy knl` was erakmlb as klass.

[b wbrb sfattbrb`.

M enui` in cndenrt nr hny mi tfb apprnacfmik fnlmàys, nily dbd-

nrmbs tfat cut at dy fbart lmgb orngbi pmbcbs ne a trbasurb` Cfrmstdasnriadbit.

M stnppb` smikmik. Mt furt bvbi tn orbatfb. M waitb` tn oaimsf tfb

fnlmàys ernd nur lmvbs. Out tfbi sndbtfmik bxtranr`miary fappbib`.

Pfmrtbbi àys obenrb Cfrmstdas, kmets obkai appbarmik at dy

fndb. Pfby wbrb hust sdall tngbis ne tfb fnlmày sbasni, accndpa-

imb` oy a car` wmtf lmibs smdmlar tn tfb carnl. Bacf was smkib` smd-

ply, ]nur trub ermbi`s. At first, M rbsmstb` tfb mitrusmni ne Cfrmstdas

mitn dy krmbe. Out slnwly, as tfb kmets gbpt arrmvmik, dy fbart obkai tn

tfaw. Pfb kmets da`b dy cfml`rbi sdmlb, knt us talgmik, as wb trmb` tn

m`bitmey tfb snurcb ne nur dystbrmnus prbsbits. Pfby wbrb tbacfmik us

fnw tn euictmni as a eadmly akami.

Pfb rndaitmc mi db wnul` lmgb tn oblmbvb a dmraclb tnucfb` dy

eadmly tfat Cfrmstdas, ai` mi a way tfat ms trub. Out M ginw tfat tfb


5/19

dmraclb was tfb way a sdall act ne gmiìbss savb` dy eadmly ai`

ornukft us oacg tn bacf ntfbr. ]bars latbr, tfb dakmc ne tfb fnlmày

sbasni ms stmll cnlnrb` oy tfb lmkft tfat tfnsb ermbi`s sfnib mitn nurlmvbs. Pfmigmik ne wfat a pnwbreul mdpact tfnsb ainiydnus kmets

da`b ni dy eadmly fas cfaikb` tfb way M sbb tfb fnlmàysint hust

as ai bxcusb tn kmvb ai` rbcbmvb prbsbits wmtf dy lnvb` nibs, out as

a tmdb wfbi mt ms dnrb mdpnrtait tfai bvbr tn stbp nutsm`b ne dy nwi

wnrl` ai` cnism`br tfnsb arnui` db, tn npbi dy fbart, rbacf nut dy

fai`, ai` bikakb. Pfb fnlmàys arb a tmdb tn rbhnmcb, tn rbdbdobr, tn

rbbct ni sbasnis past, ai` tn cblboratb nur dbdnrmbs. Pfms onng ms

aonut fii`mik a way tn fninr tfnsb wfn caiint ob wmtf us tfms sba-

sni, tn crbatb ibw ai` hnyeul dbdnrmbs, tn bxpbrmbicb tfms sbasni ne

kmvmik mi a vbry spbcmal way.

Cndb.

[alg wmtf db.

M wmll sfarb wmtf ynu tfb dbssakb tfat enrbvbr cfaikb` dy eadmly,tfb fbalmik dakmc ne tfb 13tf Kmet.


6/19

Cfaptbr Nib

Pfb Emrst @ay ne Cfrmstdas

Hust obenrb awi ni @bcbdobr 13, dy àukftbr, Dbkai, tuks atdy imkftsfmrt.

Dnd, wb dmssb` tfb scfnnl ous.

@msnrmbitb` ai` stmll fale aslbbp, M start callmik cnddai`s

tn dy cfml`rbi obenrb dy ebbt fmt tfb nnr.

Splasf watbr ni ynur eacb! Kbt `rbssb`! [bvb knt oaiaias

ai` krainla oars mi tfb gmtcfbi enr orbageast. Mll kbt tfb car

fbatb` up, out wb favb tn lbavb mi tbi dmiutbs!

Dbkai àsfbs n as `mrbctb`, wfmlb M rnusb fbr lbss cnnpbra-

tmvb orntfbrs.

[fbi M fbar dnvbdbit mi all ne tfbmr ob`rnnds, M tagb a twn-

dmiutb oatf, swmpb ni dagbup, ai` puddbl dy famr wmtf oaoy

pnw`br tn kmvb mt pnne. A àrg sumt faikmik ni tfb oacg ne tfb

oatfrnnd `nnr obcndbs dy bisbdolb enr tfb ày. Pfb vmsmni mi


7/19

H n a i i b F u m s t S d m t f

tfb dmrrnr ms int bicfaitmik, out at lbast dy rb` bybs ai` rud-

plb` clntfbs sbbd tn datcf.

M àrb aiynib tn crmtmcmzb, M say, pnmitmik at dy rbbctmni.M cfbcg ni tfb rba`mibss ne dy tfrbb SdmtfsDbkai, tbi7

Imcg, twblvb7 ai` Obi, sbvbitbbi`mk car gbys ernd dy pursb,

ai` tnss enur cnats nitn tfb cnucf.

Pwn dmiutbs, M fnllbr. Bvbryon`y nutsm`b.

M wfmspbr a plba enr bvbi a ebw wbag rays ne suisfmib as M npbi

tfb ernit `nnr, out mistba` M dbbt typmcal wbatfbr enr Obllornng,

Nfmn, lbss tfai twn wbbgs obenrb Cfrmstdas8 kray, wbt, ai` cnl`.

Mt fas always obbi tfb wardtf ne tfb pbnplb, nur ibmkfonrs, tfb

cndduimty, dnnrmik us tn tfms snutfbri suouro ne @aytni. Out

tfms @bcbdobr, M nily ebbl tfb cfmll.

Mi dy fastb tn fbat up tfb car, M ibarly gincg nvbr a pnmisbt-

tma smttmik nutsm`b nur ernit `nnr. _ami`rnps ni mts fnlmày wrap-

pbr sparglb mi tfb pnrcf lmkft.[fat tfb fbcg>

Dbkai pbbgs arnui` db, ai` fbr eacb lmkfts up.

Mts sn prbtty!

Pfats dy Dbk8 bvbr fnpbeul bvbi aetbr wbvb obbi tfrnukf

sn ducf. M wmsf M cnul` ob dnrb lmgb fbr, out tfbi akami, Md

int tbi.

]bs, rbal prbtty. [fbrb arb ynur orntfbrs> Kbt ynur

orntfbrs.

[fbrb `m` mt cndb ernd, Dnd> Lbts ormik mt mi.

M stai` at tfb `nnr watcfmik tfb cnl` rami obat `nwi ni tfb

plaits enur olnn`-rb` olnnds. Enr db, ormikmik tfb nwbr mitn

tfb fnusb nbrs as ducf appbal as mivmtmik mi a wbt, raom` `nk

enr tfb fnlmàys. M aosnlutbly ui`brstai` Scrnnkb inw. M wait tn

kn tn ob` tnimkft ai` wagb up ni @bcbdobr ?5 In sfnppmik In


8/19

P f b 1 3 t f K m e t

oagmik. In trbb wmtf lmkfts. Md int mi a dnn` tn dagb dbdn-

rmbs. Pfb nibs M favb hust furt7 M cait mdakmib ibw nibs wmll ebbl

aiy obttbr. M `nit bxpbct tn avnm` tfb fnlmày altnkbtfbr. M dbrblyfnpb tn dmimdmzb tfb aamr as ducf as pnssmolb. Cfrmstdas ms

suppnsb` tn ob aonut eadmly, ai` nurs fas a larkbr-tfai-lmeb-

smzb` fnlb. Pfb nwbr cait fill mt.

M mdakmib dy fusoai` stai`mik ibxt tn tfb clnsbt fb lmib` wmtf

sfblvbs last @bcbdobr. Obsm`b fmd, nur eully trmddb` Caia`mai fir

stai`s mi a krnwmik pu` lb ne pmib ibb`lbs.

]nurb gmllmik tfb Cfrmstdas trbb, M scnl`b`, pnmitmik tn tfb

dnuitmik bvm`bicb ni tfb nnr. Fb tbstb` dy tfbnry wmtf a wfacg ne

fms faddbr ni tfb clnsbt sfble. Ibb`lbs pmrnubttb` ernd tfb oraicfbs.

At lbast tfbsb sfblvbs arbit knmik aiywfbrb, fb sam`. Ibmtfbr

ad M.

Sn wfy ad M alnib>

M sbarcf enr fmd mi tfb sfa`nws ne tfb fnusb mi tfb fnurs obtwbbiknn -imkft gmssbs ai` tfb dnrimik alard, bvbi tfnukf M ginw fbs int

tfbrb. Dy oacg tfrnos ernd tfb cnitmiual haoomik ne a orngbi cnml mi tfb

snea, out M cait ormik dysble tn slbbp upstamrs mi tfb ob` wb sfarb`. M

wnit bvbi sfmet tn fms sm`b ne tfb snea.

Pfb spacb _mcg fillb`, mts bdpty.

Dbkai ibb`s Cfrmstdas, out Md int rba`y tn `bscbi` mitn

ea-la-la lai`. Pfb appbaraicb ne tfms nwbr ms surb tn hudp-

start tfb iakkmik aonut ouymik a Cfrmstdas trbb ai` scavbikmik

tfrnukf onxbs mi tfb oasbdbit enr nur cnllbctmni ne Saita Claus

fikurmibs. M cnism`br asgmik _mcgs orntfbr Pnd ai` fms wmeb,

Cfarlnttb, tn lbt tfb gm`s spbi` tfb fnlmàys wmtf tfbd, hust a

ày nr twn. M cnul` fm`b ernd tfb sbasni wfmlb tfby sfnwbr dy

cfml`rbi wmtf kmets ai` stu tfbd wmtf turgby ai` oaiaia pu`-

`mik Pfb gm`s wnul` nily ob a ebw dmlbs away me M knt ibb`y out


9/19


M cnul` `blbkatb tfb Cfrmstdas trmddmiks tn Pnd ai` Cfar. @b-

lmvbry ne tfb m`ba wmll ob trmcgy. M cai fbar tfb cfnrus ne In way,

ai` rbcnkimzb dy vnmcb as tfb lnu`bst. M `nit wait tfb fnlm`ays,out M `n wait dy gm`s fndb wmtf db.

Pfb clncg ni tfb daitbl cfmdbs sbvbi a.d., ai` M siap oacg

mitn dy smiklb dnd wmtf cfml`rbi ibarly latb enr scfnnl dn`b.

M `nit ginw wfbrb tfb nwbr cadb ernd, Dbk. Out Md int

ormikmik mt mi. Mts wbt, ai` tfb pnttmik snml lnngs lmgb a du`-

slm`b.

Out, Dnd, mts a Cfrmstdas nwbr.

Dbkai prbssbs fbr plba enr tfb plait, as Obi walgs up tfb

stbps ernd fms oasbdbit ob`rnnd. M ginw fb was nut uitml ibarly

tfrbb a.d., ai` Md int ennl binukf tn oblmbvb fb was stu`ymik.

Fb `nbsit kmvb db a cfaicb tn say knn` dnrimik nr tn qubstmni

fmd aonut tfb dmssb` curebw.

M `nit sbb wfy M favb tn kn tn scfnnl. Dnst ne dy ermbi`sfavb alrba`y lbet tnwi enr wmitbr orbag.

Pfb tfnukft ne favmik tfms cnivbrsatmni, akami, dagbs db

wbary. M wait tn crawl oacg ui`br tfb cnvbrs ai` tbll fmd tn `n

tfb sadb, out mts int ai nptmni enr bmtfbr ne us.

Hust kbt ynur cnat. ]nuvb alrba`y dmssb` tnn daiy `ays ne

scfnnl.

Dbkai stai`s obtwbbi us.

Lnng, Obi. Lnng wfat wb enui` ni tfb pnrcf.

Md int surb wfy nr bxactly wfbi, out sfb fas obcndb tfb

pbacbdagbr ne tfb eadmly mi tfb last twn dnitfs.

[fbrb` mt cndb ernd>

Obi dnvbs past db tn rbtrmbvb tfb nwbr. M put a fai` up tn

stnp fmd.

[fna Obi tfrnws fms ards up mi surrbi`br out fms bybs


10/19


wari db a oattlb ms orbwmik. M ginw tfbrb arb wnr`s tn snntfb

fmd, out tfby arbit mi dy vncaoulary tfms dnrimik.

Zlbasb, hust kn kbt ynur onng oak.Obi `msappbars oacg `nwi tfb oasbdbit stamrs hust as Imcg

lbaps `nwi tfrbb stbps at a tmdb ernd fms ob`rnnd upstamrs.

Dbkai `raws fmd mitn tfb pnmisbttma `boatb.

Dnd `nbsit wait tn ormik mt mi, out M tfmig wb sfnul`. Mts

tnn cnl` nutsm`b enr a sucf a prbtty lmttlb nwbr.

Imcg klaicbs nut tfb `nnr ai` mddb`matbly lnsbs mitbrbst.

Obttbr int ormik mt mi, fb wfmspbrs tn Dbk. Dmkft ob a

ondo `mskumsb` as a nwbr. ]baf. Mts prnoaoly ngay as lnik as

mts nutsm`b wfbrb tfb tbdpbraturb ms ibarly erbbzmik, out ormik mt

mitn a ward fnusb ai` gaonnd!

Dbkai hudps. Dnd!

Ngay. Ngay. Mll ormik mt mi. M acqumrb sbvbral fiikbriamls

eull ne wbt pnttmik snml, ai` du``y rami`rnps darg a traml acrnsstfb lmvmik rnnd carpbt tn tfb gmtcfbi.

Sfmt.

@nit say tfat, Dbkai scnl`s. Fby, tfbrbs sndbtfmik

blsb.

Dbkai enllnws db mitn tfb gmtcfbi carrymik a plastmc oak

wmtf a fndbda`b Cfrmstdas car` mism`b. Pfb intb ms wrmttbi

ni ybllnw parcfdbit wmtf rmppb` b`kbs, kmvmik mt ai akb` lnng.

Sndbnib fas pbiib` tfb dbssakb mi ai blbkait cursmvb fai`

ai` sgbtcfb` a fnlly lbae mi tfb cnribr. Pfb vbrsb ms a eadmlmar

nib, tfnukf sndb ne tfb lmibs arb `mbrbit8

Ni tfb emrst `ay ne Cfrmstdas

ynur trub ermbi`s kmvb tn ynu,nib Znmisbttma enr all ne ynu


11/19


Dbkai cnivbrts tfb intb tn snik ai` starts àicmik arnui`

tfb gmtcfbi. Nur olub-byb` Smobrmai fusgy, Oblla, obkmis fnwl-

mik mi uimsni. Imcg kraos tfb parcfdbit.[fat ermbi`s> [as mt Auit Cfar> Riclb Pnd> Sndbnib

ernd scfnnl> A tbacfbr dayob>

M cait aiswbr fmd.

_mkft inw, M `nit ebbl as me wb favb aiy ermbi`s. Pblbpfnib

calls tn cfat ai` dagb plais enr wbbgbi` katfbrmiks favb

stnppb`. Pfbrb arb in Cfrmstdas car`s mi nur damlonx, nily omlls.

Obi tagbs a`vaitakb ne tfb cnddntmni tn aiinuicb fb ms int

knmik tn scfnnl.

Mvb knt a fbaàcfb. Md knmik oacg tn ob`.

M wait tn put dy ards arnui` Obi ai` tbll fmd tfat M ui`br-

stai` fms ibb` tn oaimsf tfat snik ai` bvbrytfmik rblatmik tn tfb

fnlmàys ernd nur lmvbs, out M `nit favb tfb bibrky. Mistba`, M

tfmig ne tfbmr eatfbrs vnmcb, obllnwmik tfb lnu`bst wfbi wb saiktfat sadb carnl as fb `rnvb us tn a Cfrmstdas trbb eard hust nut-

sm`b ne ]bllnw Sprmiks.

Aetbr ibarly twbity ybars ne darrmakb, M fa` krnwi accustndb` tn

_mcgs netbi n-gby cfnrus, out stmll M fa` obbi kratbeul enr tfb clnsb`

trucg wmi`nws. At tfb trbb lnt, wb fa` dbai`brb` nwi rnws ne Scntcf

ai` wfmtb pmibs, Caia`mai firs, ai` olub sprucb. Dbkai obkkb` enr nib

ne bacf. Imcg sbt fms fbart ni a fietbbi-enntbr, tfnukf nur eadmly rnnd ms

nily twblvb ebbt tall, nnr tn cbmlmik. Obis nily rbqubst was tfat tfb trbb

oraicfbs ob sparsb ibar tfb onttnd.

Dnrb rnnd enr prbsbits, fb fa` bxplamib`.

Pnkbtfbr, wb fa` sblbctb` tfb pbrebct trbb, tfbi _mcg fa` sfnnb`

tfb gm`s ai` db oacg mitn tfb ward trucg tn sfarb a tfbrdns ne fnt

cfncnlatb tfat M` da`b enr tfb nccasmni ai` ornukft wmtf us. Fb

alnib oravb` tbdpbraturbs mi tfb lnw twbitmbs cfmppmik away at tfb


12/19


stuoonri trbb truig wmtf a ùll ax. [barmik a rb -ai`-olacg aiibl

sfmrt, àrg hbais, ai` gimt cap, fb fa` lnngb` lmgb a ludobrhacg as

fb `rakkb` tfb trbb tn tfb trucg, strnik, fbaltfy, ai` rukkb` out wmtfa`nraolb rnsy cfbbgs.

Pfat was dy dai.

Stai`mik smx ebbt fivb, wmtf wavy olacg famr ai` fai`s larkb

binukf tn scflbp ai bmkft-pnui` mieait mi fms pald lmgb a pmzza, _mcg

fa` rbvblb` mi fms rnlb ne prntbctnr, prnvm`br, tfb Omk @a`. Fb always

fa` fms fukb ards wrappb` arnui` us.

Pfb clncg ni tfb daitbl cfmdbs akami, rbdmi`mik db fnw

latb wb rbally arb. Dbaiwfmlb tfb pnmisbttma ms crbatmik a pu``lb

ne mrty watbr ni tfb cnuitbr, enrkmik a cfaiibl nwi tfb gmtcfbi

caomibt nitn tfb nnr. M pmcg up tfb pnt, sfmiy papbr ai` all, ai`

tnss mt mitn tfb smig. Mt tnpplbs ai` splattbrs adp pnttmik snml ni

tfb clbai `msfbs lbet tn `rami aetbr last imkfts `miibr.

Sfmt. Sfmt. Sfmt. Bvbryon`y mi tfb car, M sfnut.Dnddy . . . Dbkai fus, stndpmik fbr ennt ni tfb nnr.

M ginw. M ginw. @nit say tfat.

Dbkai stramkftbis tfb plait obenrb cnllbctmik fbr oacgpacg

ai` fba`mik nut tn tfb car. Fbr orntfbrs ai` M enllnw. Pfb car ms

cnl`.

M `bpnsmt tfb stmll krudolmik Obi at tfb fmkf scfnnl ai` iav-

mkatb tfrnukf a hudolb ne parbit traffic at tfb huimnr fmkf tfat

Imcg attbi`s.

Lbari sndbtfmik, M call as fb slads tfb car `nnr. Fb hust

gbbps walgmik.

Dbkai, wfn attbi`s tfb mitbrdb`matb scfnnl, starts classbs

latbr tfai fbr orntfbrs, sn sfb ai` M smt mi tfb car enr twbity

dmiutbs practmcmik fbr spbllmik wnr`s, all fnlmày rblatb`, ne

cnursb


13/19


Nriadbit. N-r-i-a-d-b-i-t. Nriadbit. Znmisbttma. Z-n-m-i-

s-b-t-t-m-a. Znmisbttma. @n ynu tfmig . . . `n ynu suppnsb @a``y

cnul`vb lbet mt enr us, Dnd> ]nu ginw, tfbp-n-m-i-s-b-t-t-m-a.Sfb lnngs at db wmtf cfncnlatb bybs sn lmgb fbr @a`s, out

tfbrbs a ibw ybarimik fauitmik tfbd tfat wasit tfbrb uitml twn

dnitfs akn. M wait tn tbll fbr tfat fms lnvb lmikbrs all arnui` us,

out fnw cai M say tfat me Md int surb mts trub> @n M lmb> Mts basmbr

tn stmcg tn saeb tnpmcs lmgb scfnnl, oasgbtoall practmcb, ai` fbr

Kmrl Scnut trnnp.

Sfb ibb`s rbassuraicb ernd db tfat wbll ob ngay, out Md

int surb wb wmll.

[fat M tfmig ms tfat mts tmdb enr ynu tn kn tn class ai` bari a

ebw As, M say, pullmik up tfb zmppbr ni fbr ormkft ybllnw hacgbt. M

plait a gmss ni tnp ne fbr fba`.

Zut ynur fnn` up, obcausb . . .

On`y fbat bscapbs n ynur fba`. [b say mt tnkbtfbr ai`laukf.

Sfb starts up tfb sm`bwalg tnwar` tfb scfnnl out turis ai`

ruis oacg tn tfb car. M cfbcg tfb sbat tn sbb wfat sfbs enrknt-

tbi, out mts bdpty. Dbkai prbssbs fbr insb akamist tfb car wmi-

`nw hust as M ad aonut tn rnll mt `nwi. Fbr orbatf lbavbs a pu ne

stbad ni tfb klass.

Cai wb kbt a Cfrmstdas trbb tfms wbbgbi`, Dnd> Zlbasb>

Ngay, krbat, sfb says, wmtfnut wamtmik enr ai aiswbr.

Dayob nicb ynu clbai ynur rnnd! M call aetbr fbr wbagly,

out sfb ms alrba`y ruiimik tnwar` tfb scfnnl. Sfb wavbs obenrb

`msappbarmik mism`b, tagmik wfats lbet ne dy fbart wmtf fbr.

Obenrb M kbt tfb car mitn kbar, tbars arb olurrmik dy vmsmni.

Ni dy way tn tfb nfficb, M wbavb tfrnukf tnwi past Cfrmst-


14/19


das `bcnratmnis `aiklmik ernd ladppnsts mi tfb sfnppmik

plaza. Oy tfb tmdb M rbacf tfb bitraicb radp tn tfb mitbrstatb, M

ebbl lmgb scrbadmik.M pnui` tfb stbbrmik wfbbl ai` accm bitally fmt tfb fnri. Ai

bl`brly kbitlbdai mi a olacg sb`ai pulls nvbr mitn tfb slnw laib,

ai` M spbb` up kumltmly. M ad asfadb` ne dy actmnis inw, ai` ne

tfb sbisb ne paimc tfat dnvb` mitn nur fndb wfbi _mcg lbet us.

M ad tbrrmfib` ne tfb krnwmik cacfb ne omlls stnwb` nut ne

smkft mi tfb gmtcfbi `rawbr. Pfb blbctrmc cndpaiy fas `bdai`b`

a `bpnsmt, bvbi tfnukf _mcg ai` M favb fa` ai accnuit wmtf tfbd

enr twbity ybars. Pfb accnuit, ne cnursb, was mi fms iadb. Dy

iadb was uiginwi tn dnst ne nur crb`mtnrs, out tfby arb lbari-

mik mt inw.

Dy ermbi` Gatb tblls db _mcg ms at pbacb. Fb ms mi a placb

wfbrb tfbrb ms in pami, in wnrry, in aikst, out M mdakmib _mcg

crazy aikry wmtf Kn`. Pfat stbbl-dbltmik bdntmni ouris mi db,tnn. M cait bxplami tn tfb gm`s wfy tfms fas fappbib`, wfy ntfbr

eadmlmbs favb eatfbrs ai` tfbmrs `nbsit. M cait tbll tfbd tfat M

wmsf mt fa` obbi db wfn `mb` obcausb _mcg wnul` ginw fnw tn

fblp tfbd tfrnukf tfms.

A `rmvbr far`ly nl` binukf tn favb a lmcbisb lays ni fms fnri,

ai` M rbalmzb dy car ms stra``lmik tfb `nttb` lmib obtwbbi twn

laibs.

Hbsus, Hn, pay attbitmni, M say tn dysble, tfbi dnutf snrry

tn tfb gm`, wfn rbspni`s wmtf a asf ne fms dm``lb fiikbr. M

cnism`br rbturimik tfb kbsturb, out dy fbart msit mi mt. M ad

kratbeul tn fmd enr rmvbtmik dy attbitmni oacg tn tfb rna`.

Oy inw M cai ebbl ward amr sfnntmik ernd tfb vbits ne tfb car

fbatbr, out M ad stmll sfmvbrmik.


15/19


[fat wnul` fappbi tn tfb gm`s me sndbtfmik fappbib`

tn db>

Nvbr tfb last ebw wbbgs, Mvb cndb tn ebar bvbry pami ai` snrbdusclb. Sndbtmdbs, M kbt ibrvnus hust walgmik tfb `nk.

]nurb obmik parainm`, M say nut lnu`, ai` tfbi rbalmzb M ad

stmll talgmik tn dysble. M tfmig tfb `rmvbr mi tfb tai trucg mi tfb

laib tn tfb lbet intmcbs.

Md int iuts, M sfnut at tfb wmi`nw. Pfb `rmvbr spbb`s up.

]baf, tfats rmkft. Kbt nutta dy way.

Obfmi` tfb clnsb` car wmi`nw M ebbl a pmicf ne orava`n uitml

M rbalmzb M ad `nmik tfat talgmik-tn-dysble tfmik akami.

Dusmc. Puri ni tfb ra`mn.

M tuib mitn ==.= ED, fnpmik enr a fappy snik.

Cfbstiuts rnastmik ni ai npbi firb . . . Aiib Durrays

vnmcb fills tfb car.

Int fblpmik, M tbll tfb ra`mn.Sn M swmtcf tfb statmni, tfbi akami, ai` akami, fiially hust

turimik mt n twn dmlbs `nwi tfb rna`. Bvbry snik, bvbi nibs

Mvb ibvbr fbar` obenrb, rbdmi`s db ne _mcg.

Mts a rblmbe tn fii` tfb pargmik lnt bdpty mi ernit ne tfb @ay-

tni @amly Ibwsourbau, wfbrb M wnrg. M krao a tmssub ernd a stasf

mi tfb klnvb onx ai` try tn rbpamr dy byb dagbup. M favb tmdb tn

clnsb dy bybs ai` rbcupbratb ernd tfb `rmvb, tmdb binukf tn kbt

rm` ne dy rb` bybs ai` rbapply dagbup obenrb knmik mism`b.

@bspmtb tfb cfans ne tfb dnrimik, M ad stmll nib ne tfb first

pbnplb tn arrmvb. Nib oy nib, cnwnrgbrs fill tfb nfficb. [b arb a

ousy krnup, bspbcmally wmtf tfb fnlm`ays apprnacfmik ai` bv-

brynib fnpmik tn fiimsf tfbmr wnrg qumcgly ai` fba` nut tn fnlm-

`ay sfnp enr tfbmr lnvb` nibs. M wni`br me sndbnib mi tfb nfficb


16/19


tfnukft tn sfnp enr dy eadmly tfms ybar ai` dmkft ob obfmi` tfb

pnmisbttma. M dbitmni tfb dystbrmnus dnrimik kmet, out in nib

sbbds mitbrbstb`. Pfat dagbs db suspmcmnus. Mi tfb ibwsrnnd,tfbrbs in sucf tfmik as a qubstmni tfat `nbsit favb ai aiswbr.

Dy rbpnrtbr orami mddb`matbly suspbcts tfat tfbrb dust ob a

rbasni tfat inon`y blsb sbbds curmnus aonut dy dystbry nwbr.

Ms mt obcausb tfby alrba`y ginw wfn lbet mt>

Hnaii _nusb, a ebllnw rbpnrtbr, ms tfb last tn arrmvb. Sfb fa`

fnvbrb` arnui` db at _mcgs euibral, stai`mik clnsb, nbrmik

tmssubs wfbi ibb`b`. Mi tfb wbbgs smicb, sfb fas cnbrcb` db

nut ne tfb nfficb sbvbral tmdbs enr luicf ni tfb prbtbxt ne orami-

stnrdmik stnry m`bas. Sfb always kum`bs tfb cnivbrsatmni oacg

tn dy eadmly. M ibvbr ginw fnw tn aiswbr fbr qubrmbs aonut tfb

gm`s, tfb fnusb, fnw Md `nmik. Pfb dbal usually bi`s mi tbars,

ontf fbrs ai` dmib.

At lbast sfb carbs binukf tn asg.Lbavmik ai ainiydnus kmet sbbds lmgb sndbtfmik sfb dmkft

`n. As M tbll fbr aonut tfb pnmisbttma, M watcf clnsbly enr fbr rbac-

tmni.

Dayob wfnbvbr sbit mt wmll nwi up ni Cfrmstdas, sfb says,

puicfmik mi tfb tblbpfnib iudobr tn rbtrmbvb fbr vnmcb daml.

Int tfb rbactmni M bxpbctb` ernd a cnwnrgbr prbsbitb` wmtf

a Cfrmstdas dystbry.

Sfbs a rbpnrtbr.

[brb insby.

Sfb dust ob obfmi` tfat stupm` nwbr, M tbll dysble.

Cnaxmik fbr tn ebss up tn lbavmik tfb kmet wmll tagb fiibssb. M

basb mitn tfb mitbrrnkatmni aetbr sfb faiks up tfb pfnib.

Startb` ynur Cfrmstdas sfnppmik ybt> M asg.


17/19


Hnaii wmicbs ai` rnlls fbr bybs.

Int ybt. Dayob tfms wbbgbi`, sfb says casually, klaicmik at

fbr cndputbr as sfb watcfbs mt onnt up.Dy cnwnrgbr sbbds suspmcmnusly aixmnus tn attacg a stnry

assmkidbit. Sfbs tfudomik tfrnukf a intbpa` tfat M ad prbtty

surb ms olaig. M prbss ni wmtf ai a``mtmnial qubstmni.

Favb ynu cfbcgb` nut aiy ne tfb Cfrmstdas trbb lnts mi

tnwi> Dbkai fas obbi oukkmik db tn ouy nib.

Hnaiis attmtu`b traisenrds.

Pfb lnt up tfb strbbt fas knrkbnus trbbs. M stnppb` tfbrb last

imkft tn ouy a wrbatf. Pfby fa` tfb larkbst pnmisbttmas M favb

bvbr sbbi.

Znmisbttmas, rbally> M asg. Ai` `m` ynu fappbi tn ouy nib

enr a cnwnrgbr>

Out mistba` ne cniebssmik, Hnaii laukfs.

Hust bihny tfb nwbr, Hn. @nbsit dattbr wfn lbet mt.Nf, out mt `nbs. Ai` M favb fikurb` mt nut.

Cnifi`bit tfat M favb `mscnvbrb` tfb m`bitmty ne nur trub

ermbi`s, M sbt asm`b wnrrmbs aonut tfb gm`s, ai` all tfnukft ne

Cfrmstdas, tn tacglb a scfnnl-eui`mik stnry. Enr a ebw fnurs, M

ad int a wm`nw nr a dntfbr. M kratbeully surrbi`br tfnsb rnlbs,

bvbi me nily enr a wfmlb.

`

Hust aetbr tfrbb tfmrty, tfb gm`s start callmik. Dbkai ms tfb first.

Sfb ms fndb ai` fas wasfb` tfb rb` enml wrappmik ni tfb pnmi-

sbttma wmtf ai nl` wasfclntf ai` `msf snap.

Lnngs tmb-`yb`, sfb aiinuicbs. M lmgb mt.


18/19


[fat lnngs tmb- yb`, tfb wrappmik nr tfb wasfclntf> M asg.

Ontf, sfb kmkklbs. Mvb knt Kmrl Scnuts tn`ay. Cai ynu pmcg

db up at smx tfmrt y>Pbi dmiutbs latbr, Imcg ms ni tfb pfnib.

[rbstlmik practmcb uitml sbvbi tfmrty. @nit enrkbt, mts mi

tfb scfnnl kyd.

Mll ob tfbrb. M prndmsb.

Enrty-fivb dmiutbs pass obenrb M fbar ernd Obi.

Dbkai sam` wbrb kbttmik a Cfrmstdas trbb tfms wbbgbi`.

Md ousy.

Md int surb wfbi wbll `n mt.

@nbsit dattbr, Obi says. Md ousy all wbbgbi`.

M obkmi tn wnrry aonut kbttmik dy stnry b`mtb` ai` dysble

nut ne tfb nfficb mi tmdb tn pmcg up all tfb gm`s ai` kbt `miibr

rba`y. M fiially wrap up at wnrg at smx twbity, lbavmik tbi dmiutbs

tn dagb tfb fale-fnur trmp oacg tn Obllornng. M `rmvb fndb at aducf eastbr pacb tfai tfb trmp tn tfb nfficb tfms dnrimik, out M

start tn paimc as M sfavb tfb clncg clnsb. M favb ibvbr lbet a gm`

wamtmik mi tfb cnl`.

Dbkai ms stai`mik nutsm`b tfb scfnnl wmtf sbvbral ermbi`s

wfbi M `rmvb up. Sfb ms sdmlmik. M ad int tfb last dnd tn arrmvb.

Lnng wfat wb da`b at Kmrl Scnuts.

Ernd a pmbcb ne rb` yari, sfb aiklbs a Cfrmstdas trbb nria-

dbit easfmnib` ernd cnistructmni papbr ai` wnn`bi stmcgs8 a

pnmisbttma.

Mts enr nur Cfrmstdas trbb, sfb says, as me M ibb`b` tn ob

rbdmi`b`.


19/19
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=9780553418569&c=bookshttps://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9780553418569?at=11l3IH&ct=The+13th+Gift-EL-Scribd-Other-13thGiftScribd--9780553418569http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780553418552?aff=randomhouse1http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?ISBSRC=Y&ISBN=9780553418552&cm_mmc=Random%20House-_-The+13th+Gift-HC-Scribd-Other-13thGiftScribd--9780553418552-_-The+13th+Gift-HC-Scribd-Other-13thGiftScribd--9780553418552-_-The%2B13th%2BGifthttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553418556?ie=UTF8&tag=randohouseinc7313-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553418556

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The 13th Gift by Joanne Huist Smith - Excerpt