As soon as she came into work, Dina heard Muriel and Yusuf arguing.
“I can do it, Muriel!”
“No, Yusuf! It’s not fair!”
“What’s going on?” Dina asked.
“Muriel’s brother is bringing their whole family together for Christmas and she refuses to go,” Yusuf explained.
Muriel rolled her eyes. “You know how I told you that my brother bragged about making a lot of money? Well, apparently he’s loaded. So, he’s showing off and renting a huge place in the wine country. He’s flying everyone in for Christmas and he wants to rent a car for me to drive up for the weekend. I told him I can’t, that I have to work. He had a fit and accused me of not wanting to see my family!” “She has to go!” Yusuf actually looked angry.
“No!” Muriel protested. She turned to Dina saying, “That would mean Yusuf would have to work on Christmas day all by himself! Lily’s already working on Christmas Eve. I can’t ask her to work Christmas too! “
Yusuf also pleaded his case to Dina. “Family is important! She hasn’t seen most of them in years and her grandmother will be there. I can work alone. We open late and close early on Christmas. There will be very few customers.”
Muriel turned away, but not before Dina saw the tears in her eyes. She also saw a faint light glow for just a moment over Muriel’s head. Dina looked to Yusuf who stood frowning with his arms crossed. She knew what she needed to do. At first she felt sad, but then something stirred and she was happy to say, “I’ll work with Yusuf.”
Muriel turned back to her wide-eyed and Yusuf too, stared in amazement.
“I can’t have you do that!” Muriel cried. “It’s not only Christmas, it’s Sunday and you have church!”
Dina shook her head firmly. “I’m working Christmas. I’ve been celebrating with my family all season and we’ve already had a wonderful time! You work every holiday Muriel, and you haven’t celebrated with your family in years. This is my Christmas present to you.”
Muriel started crying, not just a few tears, but deep sobs. Yusuf looked uncomfortable, but Dina took her boss in her arms and held her.
“Really Dina, I can work by myself,” Yusuf spoke softly.
Dina looked over Muriel’s head pressed against her shoulder and whispered to Yusuf, “Its ok.”
They worked out the details after the morning rush and decided that Yusuf would open late morning, Dina would come in to help him after church for just a few hours, and then Yusuf would close by 5pm.
Dina felt good about the decision. She walked for a while, enjoying the shop window decorations before catching the bus home. With Gabriela watching the boys she could take her time instead of rushing to pick them up. She’d been able to finish her Christmas shopping, but she never did find her angel. Somehow though, she didn’t feel sad anymore.
To be continued December 24...
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