When Anna’s dad presented her with a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift and strictly told her not to open it until morning, she never imagined that her sneaky stepmother, Melanie, would be the one to tear into it first. But Melanie’s greed set off a chain of events that Anna never saw coming… Perhaps there’s some Christmas karma at play?
Christmas used to be my favorite time of the year. There were twinkling lights, gingerbread cookies, the fresh pine scent from the tree, and, of course, stockings filled with treats. It all seemed so magical.
This year, however, the magic had vanished.
My dad got remarried a few months ago, and his new wife, Melanie, made me feel like an outsider in my own home. She wasn’t truly evil, not like the stepmothers on TV, but she had a way of smiling while undermining your confidence and spirit.
“Oh, Anna, is that what you’re wearing? Girl, you might want to reconsider!” or “I’m sure your dad will spoil you again. He always does, right? But it’ll stop soon.”
And what made it even worse was that every word she said was laced with that sickly – sweet tone that made my stomach churn.
But I kept my mouth shut for my dad’s sake. He looked so happy, and I didn’t want to ruin it. Mom passed away ten years ago when I was seven. I told myself I could endure Melanie, at least for my dad’s sake.
It had just been Dad and me for so long, and if Melanie made him feel less lonely, maybe it was worth it.
I thought that until a week before Christmas, when I was really trying for my dad’s sake.
And that’s when everything changed.
One evening, Dad pulled me aside. His expression was a bit serious yet also a little playful.
