Last Christmas

Snowflakes swirled around the ramshackle, old building and its occupants. A young girl stared out the dirty window at the storm outside. The white flakes reminded her of the little pieces of paper that her dad used to sprinkle on the tree for Christmas. A tear traced its way down her cheek; it had only been a year ago when her father had walked away from them.
“August,” a small voice called.
The girl turned around and went to her sisters’ side. As she sat on the thin mattress, her little sister grabbed her hand. August smiled gently at her little sister.
“August,” the girl repeated and coughed,” Does it hurt to die?”
“You shouldn’t be thinking like that December,” August said with tears in her eyes,” You’re going to get better and in the summer we’ll run through the forest and wade in the creek again.”
December smiled calmly, her blue eyes shining with some glorious secret.
“I didn’t want to worry Mama, but I’ve got to tell you about my dreams. In them I see an angel. Her name is Rebecca,” December narrated,” She comes down and takes me to beautiful places. I used to see her sometimes when I was younger, but now she comes more often. Last night she came and told me to be ready because soon I’d be in heaven with her.”
August held in her huge sob and tried to pull herself together. She had known for a long time that Decembers’ cancer could not be cured. Both she and her mom had held out hope that maybe December could be cured but it was too late.
“No December, death doesn’t hurt it’s just like going to sleep,” August said quietly with a sob. She quickly stood up and ran outdoors.
A rattletrap old pickup pulled up the driveway. It backfired twice before Augusts’ mom could turn it off. Summer stepped from the truck with a few meager groceries. She paused as she saw her daughters face.
“Is December all right sweetie?” she asked with fear,” Nothing’s happened?”
“She’s fine mom but,” August whispered,” she’s getting ready to go mom. Today she told me that she’s been seeing an angel a lot lately.”
Summer sobbed and covered her mouth. August threw her arms around her mother and sobbed with her. After a while both gave a few last sniffles and wiped their eyes.
“August will you go get the box of Christmas decorations from the shed,” Summer mumbled,” I’ll get dinner started. We’re having stew tonight.”
“Sounds good Mom,” she called over her shoulder as she ran to the shed. The shed door squeaked open with protest and she stepped into its musty interior. A box marked “Christmas Decorations” glowed dimly in the dusty light. The smell of meat simmering greeted her as she stepped into the house. Decembers’ eyes glowed with joy.
“Is it all ready time for Christmas decorations?” she asked as she tried to get out of bed.
“Of course it is silly. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve you know,” August teased. She set the decorations on Decembers’ bed. “You want to help me decorate the tree?” she asked.
“What sort of stupid question is that, of course I want to help,” December squealed.
Summer peered around the corner into the living room and smiled. December was perched on Augusts’ shoulder hanging up bulbs and ornaments. Both were laughing carelessly as they worked. Sadness tore at her heart as she watched her daughters decorate the tree. This would no doubt be Decembers’ last Christmas.
“How will I manage with out my little baby girl?” she whispered and retreated back into the kitchen. The next morning someone tapping her shoulder awakened August. A beautiful girl sat by her side and smiled.
“Good morning August,” she said,” My name is Rebecca.”
“Rebecca? Oh then your…” August trailed off.
“Decembers’ guardian angel? Yes, I am. I came to tell you to be ready for a change,” she said gently,” Tonight I will take December away.”
“Why?” August choked out,” Why my sister? Why now?”
“It’s her time August,” Rebecca replied,” She has suffered long enough. Now it is her time for peace.”
August sniffed and nodded,” I understand.”
Rebecca smiled and nodded her head. She held her hand on Augusts’ head.
“Go to sleep now but tomorrow treat your sister like it is your last day together.”
A few hours later August awoke with the meeting fresh in her mind. December stirred and smiled across the room. August smiled at her and laughed,” Good morning little one.”
That day August had so much fun. They talked loudly, laughed, cooked, and joked all day long. That night though, when she tucked December into bed, she became serious.
“December,” she faltered, ”If Rebecca comes for you tonight, don’t hesitate to go with her.”
“ I won’t,” she smiled,” I know I am going to die tonight. Rebecca told me so.”
August smiled sadly,” Then goodnight little sister.” She kissed Decembers’ cheek and burst out crying,” I love you.”
“I love you too August,” December said as she closed her eyes,” Goodbye big sister.”
August staggered to her bed and sobbed herself to sleep. The next morning she glanced over at her sister. December was still asleep with a smile on her face. She walked to her sister, tucked the sheets for the last time around her sisters’ cold body, and wept.