Purity opened her eyes.  She was on the floor looking up at her father.  He had rushed over to see if she was alright.  Bea stood right behind him.

“Are you ok Pure?” he asked in a concerned voice.  He helped her up to a sitting position.

“Yes, I’m ok,” said Purity.  She looked out the front entrance. New York City was gone. Grandma was gone and Prudy was gone. Bea touched her sister on the shoulder –

“Here, you dropped this…” and Bea handed Purity the ticket stub from the performance of the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall when their father wasn’t looking.

Bea smiled at Purity.  The adventure in New York City had been real.  But more real still was the love that flooded into Purity’s heart.  And looking at Bea’s eyes, Purity knew Bea felt it too.  Their oldest sister and their Grandma loved them both SO much.  What a comfort and joy that was to know – absolutely.

“Let me help you stand up,” said their father.  He helped Purity stand up.  Then they slowly walked out of the store towards where the car was parked.

And in this Southern California open air mall, holiday music continued to play.

“What day is it?” asked Purity.

“Boy, you hit your head hard!” said step sister.  “It’s Christmas Eve Day!”

“So we haven’t missed it,” whispered Bea.  She smiled a wide smile.

Purity smiled too, especially when she heard the song playing over the mall loud speakers…