Travis Bailey’s life wasn’t terrible, by any means, but, around the time he was eight or so, his mother passed away. Sure, he had his father, but he still loved and cared about his mom. Some of the toughest times for him were during Christmas though. Despite his father’s best efforts, it seemed very little would pick up his mood. No matter what the elder ferret did, the happiness never lasted.
One particular thing would be different this year though. Earlier that year, Travis had made a new friend. This new friend was a fox kit that was the same age as him, named Gideon Grey.
Gideon met the ferret and the two quickly hit it off and became fast friends. The two did just about everything together that year. They played video games. They went to movies. They ate out at their favorite restaurants. It seemed they were always seen together.
Gideon was no stranger to Travis’ situation though. He knew full well, having talked to him about it, that Christmas was not something the ferret looked forward to anymore. The two rarely discussed it, but as Christmas rapidly approached, Gideon was determined to do something to cheer up his ferret pal.
As the last day of school before Christmas break had concluded, the two of them made their way back to the fox’s house, something they had done almost every day since they became friends. As they did, they stepped inside, being greeted by Gideon’s mother, Amanda, and his father, Tyler, who looked to the two of them and smiled.
“Welcome home, Gid,” his mother said with a gentle smile. “Did you have a good day at school?”
“Ah suppose so. As good as we can have given that it’s school,” Gideon replied.
The comment got a giggle out of his mother, who walked over to hug her son. She then looked to Travis. “And how are you doing, Travis?”
“I’m doing alright, Mrs. Grey. Thank you for asking,” the ferret replied.
“Will ya be stayin’ a while,” Gideon’s father asked.
“Not today, sir,” Travis commented. “Dad’s got something he wants to do with me tonight, so I was just walking home with Gid. I’m gonna head home now.”
“Ah see,” the elder fox replied. “Well, Ah hope ya have fun with yer dad then.”
“I’m sure I will, sir,” Travis responded before turning to his fox friend. “I’ll call you later, Gid.”
“Ya better... Or Ah’ll come ta yer house and tickle ya,” the fox jokingly threatened.
The ferret laughed at that. “I will. See ya.”
Gideon nodded and watched as Travis left, pulling the door shut behind him. Almost immediately after, he turned to look to his mom and dad. “Mama... Papa...”
The two foxes turned their attention to their son again, with Gideon’s father being the one to speak up. “What is it, Gid?”
“Ah wanna do somethin’ special fer Travis fer Christmas. From what Ah learned earlier this year, Christmas is hard fer him and Ah wanna make this one somethin’ he’ll want ta remember,” Gideon told them.
“What did you have in mind, sweetie,” Gideon’s mother asked.
“Well... Uhh...” Gideon rubbed his neck. “Can we invite him and his dad here fer Christmas dinner?”
“I don’t see why not,” his mother said. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”
“And... well... Ah wanna get him somethin’ special fer Christmas too... Somethin’ ta thank him fer bein’ a great friend since Ah moved here.”
“Got somethin’ specific in mind ta get fer him, son,” his father asked.
“Actually, Papa, Ah do,” Gideon replied. “Ah wanna get him one of the video games Ah know he’s had his eye on fer a while and... well... Ah was thinkin’...” He turned to his mother. “Ah was thinkin’ Ah would make him a pie fer Christmas. One specifically fer him, not just one fer us ta share durin’ dinner.”
The smile his mother already had on her face grew even more after hearing that. “I’m sure he would love that.”
Gideon nodded. “Ah’m hopin’ so... But... Mama...” The young fox shifted on his feet a bit. “Ah kinda wanna... make it on mah own. Ah still wanna help ya with the pies fer Christmas dinner, but fer the one Ah wanna make fer Travis, Ah’d like ta do it all mahself... Is that alright?”
“Absolutely, Gideon. That sounds very sweet.” The vixen walked over, hugging her son. “What kind of pie did you want to make for him?”
“Blueberry... Ah know that’s his favorite,” Gideon told her.
“Hmmm... I’ll need to go to the store to see about getting some blueberries for it then. We’ve got everything else you’ll need here already,” the vizen remarked.
Gideon nodded. “Mama... Papa... thank ya fer this... Travis deserves a nice Christmas surprise fer all he’s done fer me this year.”
“Oh, I completely agree, Gid,” his father replied. “And Ah’ll call his father in a bit ta make sure he doesn’t make his own Christmas dinner and ruin yer idea.”
Gideon nodded. “Thank ya, Papa. Ah really appreciate it,” Gideon told his dad, before coming over and hugging the older, fatter fox.
“I think we should go get those blueberries sooner, rather than later, just in case the store runs out of them. It is almost Christmas Day after all. And we can shop around to see if that game you want to get for Travis is available at one of the stores too,” the vixen told him.
“Alright, Mama. Can we go now,” Gideon asked.
“Absolutely,” she told him. “Let me just get my winter coat.”
Back over at Travis’ house, the ferret was seen sitting on the couch watching some cartoons as he waited for his dad to come out of his room. When he had, Travis noticed him talking on the phone.
“Oh, don’t worry. I won’t...” his father Charles was heard saying. “Of course. Take care.” The elder ferret then hung up his phone.
“Everything okay, dad,” Travis asked.
“Everything’s fine,” his dad commented. “Just some dinner plans for Christmas is all.”
“Oh...” Travis grew quiet almost immediately.
“Cheer up, Travis. I think you might LIKE where we’re going this year,” Mister Bailey told his son.
“I don’t know about that,” Travis said with a sigh. “Where are we going?”
“Sorry, Travis. I promised not to tell. But I guarantee you’ll be happy when you find out,” his father told him.
Travis just sighed again. “I’ll take your word for it then, Dad.” He then got up. “So where are we going today then?”
“That, I WILL tell you. I thought you and I could go out for dinner then maybe see some of the lights and decorations around town.”
Hearing this put a smile on Travis’ face. He loved going out to eat with his dad, and, although it was true that it was something they only did around Christmas, something about seeing the various colors of places around town always put him in a good mood. “Okay, Dad... Let’s go.”
The two ferrets then headed outside. After his father locked the front door, Travis got in the car, getting buckled up. The elder ferret got in and buckled up as well before making the drive to a nearby restaurant. The two then got out and made their way inside. When they did, they walked up to the podium, where a brown rabbit stood.
“Good evening, gentlemen. Table for two today,” the rabbit asked.
“Yes, please,” Mister Bailey told him.
“Right this way, please,” the rabbit replied, taking a couple menus and heading over to a table nearby.
The two ferrets followed and sat down when the rabbit placed the menus on one of the tables.
“What can I get you to drink today,” the rabbit asked.
“I’d like an iced tea, please,” the elder ferret said before starting to look over the menu.
“I’ll have one too, please,” Travis added in, doing the same.
“I’ll get those right in for you. My name’s Rick, and I’ll be your server tonight,” he told them.
“Thank you, Rick,” the two ferrets replied.
After scanning over the menu for several moments, Travis put it down and looked to his dad. “Dad?”
“Yeah, kiddo?” The ferret looked to his son.
“Thank you...”
Miser Bailey gave his son a curious look. “What for?”
“For... well... trying to help keep my spirits up,” Travis said, rubbing the back of his neck.
“You’re my son, Travis. I’ll do whatever I can to help, even if it only helps for a little while.” Charles reached over and gave his son’s paw a squeeze.
“It does help, Dad... I just... really miss mom. And celebrating without her doesn’t feel the same.
Charles nodded. “I know, kiddo. Hard as it may be to believe, I wasn’t even sure I was going to put the tree up at all this year because of how hard things were last year.”
Travis sniffled a bit. “I’m trying not to let it bother me so much, but it’s really hard.”
Charles nodded again. “We’ll get through it together.”
“I know. I love you, Dad,” Travis told him.
“And I love you,” Tyler replied.
It wasn’t much longer until the drinks were brought over and set down in front of the two ferrets. The rabbit looked at the ferrets. “Here you are. Have you decided what you would like for an entrée this evening?”
“I think I’d like your cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato and onion and your fries,” Charles told the rabbit.
“Absolutely.” Rick wrote that down and looked to Travis. “And for you?”
“I’ll have the cheeseburger too, but with lettuce only, and your onion rings, please,” the younger ferret said.
“I’ll get that right in,” Rick said before turning and walking off.
Travis looked to his dad again as he sipped on his drink.
“Something on your mind, Travis?”
“Kinda...” He sipped his drink again. “Dad... can we...” He paused.
“Can we what, kiddo?”
“Can we... start putting up the Christmas tree when get home tonight,” the younger ferret asked.
Charles’ eyes grew at the request. “You want to put up the tree?”
Travis gave a slow nod. “Being without mom is hard... but I don’t think she would want us dumping our tradition just because she isn’t around anymore.”
The elder ferret smiled and nodded as well. “You’re right... but are you sure?”
“I’m... I’m sure...” Travis took another sip. “Besides, we can’t have Christmas without mom’s angel on the tree, can we?”
Charles’ eyes grew again. “Son?”
“What? What’d I s...” Travis stopped. “Oh...”
“I’ll ask again... Are you sure you want to put up the tree?”
Travis went completely silent for several seconds before speaking up. “Yeah. I’m sure. I want mom to be a part of Christmas... even if it’s just as the angel on our tree...”
“Then we’ll do it, kiddo. As soon as we get home.”
“Okay.” Travis nodded.
The two ferrets sat and talked while they waited for their food. It came shortly after and the two ate their fill. When they finally left, Travis climbed back into the car with Charles.
“Pretty good meal if I do say so myself,” Charles commented.
“Yeah, it really was. Filling too,” Travis said with a smile.
“That it was,” the elder ferret remarked as he pulled out of the parking lot. He then started heading down the street, and, as he did, he passed by several houses with different assorted decorations and lights in varying colors.
“The lights always look so nice,” Travis said, his head turned to his window as they drove along.
“Mhm...” Charles replied with a smile. “Look over there,” he pointed to a house they were coming up to that had several trees made of strings of lights of different colors in the front yard.
“Wow... look at all the colors!” Travis’ smile grew big as he looked at the display, and it only grew bigger with every house they passed by.
This pleased his father greatly. With how the night started, the fact Travis seemed more relaxed as it went on made him happy.
The pair of them travelled down various streets until they eventually finally stopped back at their own home. They got out and headed inside.
Not long after, Travis pulled out his cell and called Gideon, just as he said he would.
Seconds later, his fox friend’s voice was heard on the other end. “Hey there, Travis. How are ya?”
“I’m doing pretty good actually. Had a nice dinner and did some driving around looking at the lights set up in other furs’ yards. We’re gonna be setting up the Christmas tree here soon too.” The happiness is the ferret’s voice was evident.
“Oh yeah?” Gideon’s voice had a hint of surprise in it, though he was pleased hearing it. “That sounds great. Mama and Ah did some shoppin’ fer some other stuff we needed fer Christmas, then we all had dinner and watched a movie together.”
“Cool. Glad you had a good night,” Travis replied.
“And Ah’m glad ta hear yers went well,” the fox replied.
“Yeah... the night turned out really great actually. Anyway, I’ll see you tomorrow, Gid,” Travis told him.
“Sounds good. Ah can’t wait ta see yer ree when it’s all done. Have a good night.”
“You too, Gid. Night.”
“G’night, Travis.” Gideon hung up his phone, turning his attention to his parents.
“Sounds like things went well,” Amanda remarked.
Gideon nodded. “Yeah... Kinda surprised, but apparently they had a really good time. Travis and his dad are puttin’ up their Christmas tree tonight.”
“How wonderful!” Amanda smiled.
“Yeah... Not sure what exactly happened over there, but if Travis is actually happy about doin’ somethin’ Christmas related, Ah’m not gonna complain,” Gideon told her.
“And ya shouldn’t,” Tyler told him. “By the sound of things, that feelin’ is rare fer him around this time of year.”
“Right,” Gideon said with a nod. He then walked over to the couch and took a seat. “Heck, if he’s in a good mood, he’ll probably enjoy the gifts more, right?”
Tyler nodded. “I’ve no doubt he will, Gid.”
Gideon then turned his attention toward the TV, watching it again.
Back at Travis’ house, Charles was setting the tree up in the living room, and Travis was seen coming in and out of the room with different boxes of decorations for it. When he came in the final time, he was holding the angel for the top of the tree, and he seemed to be taking extra care to set it down gently when he brought it in.
“Dad?”
Charles looked to him. “What is it, kiddo?”
“Thanks...”
“For what, Travis?”
Travis rubbed his neck. “For... agreeing to put up the tree this year... I know I’ve been a bit of a downer lately... I just miss mom... But... if we put up the tree, and put the angel on it... It’ll be like she’s here watching over us.”
Charles smiled. “That’s true... I have to ask though... why the sudden change? Up until we left for dinner, it didn’t appear you cared whether we celebrated Christmas or not.”
“Well... I mean, it’s like I said... Mom wouldn’t want us to blow off our Christmas tradition...”
Charles nodded. “I agree, but is that all there is to it?”
“Well... no... not exactly,” Travis rubbed his neck.
Charles raised a brow, then walked over and sat down on the couch, patting the spot beside him. “Come sit down.”
Travis nodded and sat down beside his father.
“So... what else have you been thinking about?”
Travis looked to his dad. “Honestly... It’s... It’s also because I’m worried Gideon’s gonna think I’m stupid for wanting to blow off Christmas... and... and honestly... having Gideon around the last few months... and having a real friend... feels nice. I don’t want to lose that.”
“Somehow, Travis, I doubt that’ll be a problem... Gideon’s a good kid, and doesn’t seem to be the type of person to disown a friend just because they’re affected by the loss of someone they love.”
“You really think so?”
“I do,” the elder ferret replied. “I think he’d be happy to see you’re being open and honest with your feelings.”
Travis nodded. “Can we... can we still put the decorations up,” Travis asked, hesitantly.
“I dragged the tree out, didn’t I? I’ve no intention of putting it back for a while,” Charles said with a smirk. “Shall we?”
Travis got up and nodded. “Yeah... Let’s make it look really good.”
The two ferrets spent the next two hours putting up the decorations. When they had finally finished, all that was left was the angel for the tree topper.
Travis walked over to it, carefully picking it up. He then walked over to his dad. “Can I put it on?”
Charles nodded and carefully lifted his son up.
Travis then, very gently, placed the angel on the top of the tree. When his father had set him down, Travis looked over the tree, now fully decorated, and started tearing up.
“You okay, kiddo,” his dad asked.
“I’m fine, Dad. Just... thinking about Mom is all,” the younger ferret replied, wiping the tears from his eyes.
Charles nodded and stepped up beside Travis, putting his arm around his son. “Me too, kiddo... Me too.” Charles wiped a tear away that had formed in his own eye.
“At least now she’s here with us,” Travis commented.
“That she is...” Charles looked to the tree. “And things feel a lot nicer with her here too, don’t they?”
Travis nodded. “Yeah... I think so too.”
“What did you wanna do now?”
“Can we watch a movie together before we turn in for the night,” Travis asked.
Charles nodded. “Sure we can.”
Travis walked over to the shelf near the TV that had several different movies on it, picking one of the movies out. “This one.”
The movie he had picked out was a Christmas one that immediately made Charles smile. “I had a feeling you’d pick your mother’s favorite Christmas movie.”
Travis nodded again and put the movie into the DVD player. “It’s one of my favorites too.”
“Then let's relax and enjoy it.” Charles turned his attention to the movie.
The two of them then sat together watching the movie.
As the movie got about halfway through though, Travis let out a loud yawn, causing Charles to turn to him. “Getting sleepy?”
“Uh huh. But I'm not leaving until the movie is over.”
Charles laughed. “With as good as this night has gone, kiddo, I'm not going to argue with you.”
Travis snickered quietly, turning his attention back to the movie. Despite yawning several times, Travis did manage to make it through the rest of it. As the credits rolled, he turned to his dad. “Okay, now I’m ready for bed.”
Charles nodded. He stood and walked over to the DVD player, ejecting the DVD, putting it in its case then putting the case back with the others. He then turned to look to his son. “Travis, I’m really proud of you.”
“You are? Why’s that?”
“The fact you’re at least trying to stay in the Christmas spirit is something I didn’t think I’d see,” his father told him. “After last year, I had thought it was better to avoid doing too much.”
“Then.. why did you suggest seeing the lights at all,” Travis asked curiously. “Or for that matter, why did you agree to going somewhere for Christmas dinner?”
Charles grew quiet for several seconds. “Honestly, it was because I was hoping it would at least get you to smile. Believe it or not, Travis, I do take notice of how you feel or act around Christmas, and I’ve noticed seeing the lights around town does make you happy... And as for dinner... Again, I can’t tell you what’s been planned but when I heard the idea, I said we’d be there because it was something I thought would help your mood too, once you saw where we were going.”
Travis nodded. “I’m still feeling sad that mom isn’t here, but I don’t wanna dwell on it. I have something this year that I didn’t have last year. A friend. And he’s been doing a lot to really brighten my mood lately.”
The elder ferret walked up to his son, hugging him. “I’ve noticed that too. You and Gideon have been pretty inseparable lately.”
“Something about him.... It just makes me happy. I haven’t had a good friend in a long time, and most of this year, he’s done everything he can to make me smile,” the younger ferret told his father. “And in fact, Dad... I wanna do something nice for him for Christmas. As a thank you, I mean.”
“Think on it then, and see what you come up with. I’ll help you however I can,” Charles replied.
With another yawn, Travis nodded. “Okay. Love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, kiddo.” Charles then walked to Travis’ bedroom with his son in tow. He walked over to the bed and pulled back the sheets, with Travis undressing down to his underwear, climbing in once he did. He then covered Travis and kissed him on the top of the forehead. “Good night. I love you, Travis.”
“I love you too, Dad,” Travis said, yawning almost immediately after. “Good night.”
“Good night, kiddo. Sleep well.” Charles walked over to the door, clicking off the light and leaving the room, pulling the door shut behind him.
The next morning, Travis woke up, looking around with a smile as he sat up. He then pulled back the sheets, climbing out of the bed. He then got dressed and left his room, heading for the kitchen and spotting his dad. “Good morning, Dad.”
Charles looked to him, holding a coffee cup in his paw. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
Travis nods. “I did, yeah.”
“That’s good,” Charles commented before sipping on his coffee. “Any plans today?”
Before Travis had the chance to answer though, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it...” He then made his way to the living room and opened the door. When he did, he saw Gideon standing there. “Hey Gid!”
“Hey, Travis. Are ya busy right now,” the kit asked.
“I only just woke up a few minutes ago. I haven’t even had breakfast yet,” the ferret replied.
“Actually, Ah’m kinda glad ta hear that. Ah wanted ta ask if ya wanted ta go out somewhere fer breakfast,” Gideon told his friend.
“Oh! Uhhh... Lemme ask if that’s okay with my dad. Come on in,” Travis told the fox as he went into the kitchen. “Dad? Gideon’s here and wants to take me out for breakfast. Is that okay?”
Charles looked at Travis then looked at Gideon. “I don’t see why not.”
“Ah was thinkin’ we could go ta the Egg Basket fer breakfast, since it’s close by. Mama and Papa are in the car waitin’ fer us already.”
“Well, if they’re already waiting, you’d best go then, Travis,” Charles told him.
“Ah didn’t know whether or not, ya would want ta go, but Ah wanted ta come and ask, and Mama and Papa said it was okay.” Gideon then looked at Charles. “Yer welcome ta come as well, Mister Bailey.”
Charles shook his head. “Thank you for the offer, Gideon, but you go on ahead.”
“Oh! Alright,” Gideon nodded. “We’ll bring him back after breakfast then.”
“There’s no rush, Gideon,” the elder ferret told him. “If you two want to hang out after you eat, that’s fine too.”
“Thank ya, Mister Bailey,” the fox said with a smile. “C’mon, Travis. Let’s go.”
Travis walked over to his dad, giving him a quick hug. “Love you, Dad.”
“Love you too, kiddo. Have fun,” Charles said, waving the two off.
The boys then made their way back outside and both got into Tyler’s car, buckling up when they had.
“Good morning, Travis,” Amanda said, looking at him through the rear view mirror.
“Good morning, Mister and Mrs. Grey,” Travis replied politely. “Thank you for inviting me.”
“It was no trouble at all, Travis,” Tyler said as he pulled out of the driveway and made the drive to the restaurant. “We’re glad ta have ya. We heard ya had a pretty good night last night.”
Travis nodded. “I did. We went to dinner, saw some of the Christmas lights and decorations that others have out, came home, decorated the tree and watched mom’s favorite Christmas movie.”
“Sounds like a pretty nice day, Travis,” Amanda responded.
“It was,” the ferret replied.
The four of them continued to chat until they arrived at the restaurant. At which point, they all got out of the car and walked inside it.
Almost immediately, the smells of different foods hit their noses.
“It always smells so delicious in here,” Travis remarked as they made their way up to the podium.
The server looked to the four of them and led them to a table, getting their drink orders before taking off.
Most of the next hour was spent with the four of them chatting as they ate, enjoying each other’s company.
As the meal came to an end though, Travis overheard the sounds of a young voice talking to his mother.
“I’m so glad we can be together on Christmas, Mommy,” said the young fur.
These words caused an immediate shift in Travis’ mood. The ferret now went completely silent.
This did not go unnoticed though, as Gideon turned to looked to him. “Travis, are ya alright?”
“I don’t know,” was all the ferret could utter.
“What’s wrong,” the fox asked. “What did Ah do?”
“It’s not your fault, Gid. I promise. I appreciate the fact you guys took me out to eat.”
Gideon nodded. “Ah won’t force ya ta tell me, if ya don’t wanna.”
Travis looked at him. He then walked over and whispered the words he’d heard from the young fur.
“Ohhh...” Gideon gave a nod. “Ah got it... Ah’m sorry, Travis.”
Travis sniffled a bit. “Thanks... I think I’ll be okay... I just... really miss her.”
The fox nodded again and wrapped his paws around his friend in a supportive hug, which both Tyler and Amanda saw. When Gideon let go, he noticed the smile had returned on Travis’ face. “Better?”
“Actually, yeah... I needed that. Thank you,” the ferret told him.
“Yer welcome. Ah got no problem givin’ ya a hug whenever ya need it. Yer mah friend and Ah care about ya. Ah don’t like ta see ya sad, and Ah wanna do whatever Ah can ta help ya get through it.”
The ferret’s smile got brighter. “I appreciate it, Gideon.”
Tyler stood from his seat. “You boys ready to go?”
Both Gideon and Travis turned to the elder fox. “Yes, sir,” hey both said in unison.
Amanda got up as well, walking over to pay for the meal. After that was done, she followed the others back outside, getting into the car with the other three.
Tyler then made the drive back to their home. He pulled into the driveway before getting out of the car. He then walked inside, trailing behind the young boys. “Go on and have yer fun. Ah’m gonna put mah feet up fer a while and relax.”
“Alright, Papa. Love ya,” Gideon commented, hugging his dad.
“Ah love ya too, son. Now scoot,” Tyler remarked before plopping down in the recliner.
Gideon snickered and looked at Travis. “C’mon...”
The ferret nodded, and he followed Gideon up to his room, sitting down on the fox’s bed. “Hey Gid?”
The fox turned to look at him. “Yeah?”
“I wanted to thank you,” Travis told him.
“Fer what,” Gideon asked him.
“For being my friend,” the ferret replied, in a quiet voice. “Sometimes I don’t feel like I deserve your friendship...”
“Ya mean just because ya miss yer mama and yer upset because of it?” Gideon walked over and sat with him. “Ah’m yer friend, Travis. Ah’m here for ya whenever ya need me.”
“You don’t think I’m stupid for feeling this way,” Travis asked, curiously.
“Ah know fer a fact that if Ah where in yer shoes, Ah’d be sad too.”
Travis sat there in silence. ‘Dad was right,’ he thought to himself. ‘Guess I really do have a good friend in Gideon.’ The ferret then looked at his friend once more. “That means a lot, Gideon. Thanks.”
Gideon nodded. “Ah want ya ta know... Whenever yer feelin’ down or hurt, ya can come ta me and Ah’ll listen.” The fox placed a paw on his friend’s shoulder.
Travis nodded. “I’ll remember that.”
“Good... Did ya wanna watch some cartoons fer a while,” Gideon asked.
“I’d like that. Yeah.”
Gideon turned on his TV, flipping through the channels until he found some cartoons. “Is this alright?”
The ferret nodded. “Yeah. Works for me.”
Gideon put the remote aside, turning his attention to the TV as Travis did the same.
The two spent the next several hours watching TV together.
Eventually, Gideon’s mother came in with a platter of sandwiches, and a couple sodas for lunch. “Here, boys. Thought I’d make lunch for the two of you.”
The two of them immediately turned to her, thanking her as they watched her leave. They then began eating, turning their attention to the TV once more.
“That was really nice of your mom to make lunch for us,” Travis remarked before taking a bite out of the sandwich he was holding.
“Ya say that every time Mama makes food fer ya,” Gideon said with a snicker.
“Yeah, I know,” Travis replied. “Doesn’t mean it isn’t true though.”
“Fair enough,” the fox replied, sipping on his drink.
While the two of them were eating their lunch and watching cartoons, they got interrupted by the sound of Travis’ cell ringing.
Travis reached into his pocket, looking at the display before answering. “Hey, Dad.”
“Hey, kiddo. You having fun,” Charles asked him.
“Yeah. We went back to Gideon’s house after breakfast and we’ve been watching cartoons. His mom just brought us lunch.”
“That was nice of her,” Charles responded.
“Heh... That’s the same thing I said,” the young ferret told his dad.
“I won’t interrupt your fun. Just wanted to check on you,” the elder ferret replied. “See you later, and have fun.”
“See ya, Dad.” Travis hung up, looking back to the TV.
“Everything alright,” Gideon asked, having been focused on the TV and not paying attention to Travis’ call.
“Yeah. Dad was just checking on me was all,” Travis told him.
Gideon nodded. “Alright then.”
The two then went right back to their cartoons for several more hours. Eventually, Travis’ phone chimed, and when he looked this time, he saw a text message from his father, letting him know he was making dinner soon and asking if he wanted to be included or if he should just make something for himself. Travis looked back at Gideon after reading it. “Hey Gid?”
“Yeah, Travis?”
“Dad’s asking if he should include me in dinner tonight? Am I staying for dinner,” he asked.
Gideon shrugged. “Ah dunno. Ah can go ask Mama and Papa if ya want.”
Travis thought for a moment then shook his head. “Nah. I think I should go home. I’ve been here all day.”
“Well, alright then.” Gideon clicked off the TV.
“Ya don’t have to walk back with me,” the ferret told the fox as they stood.
“Ah know Ah don’t have ta. I want ta do it,” Gideon replied, making his way out of the room.
Travis followed close behind, looking to Gideon’s parents when they got downstairs. “Mister and Mrs. Grey? I’m heading home. Dad’s making dinner.”
Both adult foxes turned their attention to Travis, with Amanda being the one to speak. “Well, we certainly enjoyed having you.”
“And I enjoyed being here, ma’am,” Travis said politely.
“Have a good night, Travis. Take care of yerself,” Tyler told him.
“Good night, Mister Grey,” Travis replied. He made his way to the front door then, opening it and stepping outside.
Gideon stepped out too. “Ah had fun today,” the fox said with a smile.
“I did too, Gid. Aside from the incident right after breakfast, today’s been really nice.”
“Yeah... Just remember what Ah told ya, okay? Ah’m here for ya. No matter what.” he fox then hugged his ferret friend, with the ferret retuning the hug.
“Don’t worry. I don’t intend to forget that for a long time.”
The kit nodded. “Well, good. Ah’ll see ya tomorrow...”
Travis nodded as well. “Yup. See ya, Gid.” After Gideon went inside, Travis made his way back to his home, arriving there a couple minutes later. He stepped inside and called out. “Dad? I’m home.”
“In the kitchen, kiddo,” Charles told him.
Travis made his way into the kitchen, sniffing the air. “What’s for dinner tonight?”
“I’m making chili tonight. If you hadn’t been coming home, I probably would have still made it though. I would have just had a lot more left over,” Charles told him.
Travis snickered. “Sounds good to me, Dad.”
The two of them sat down and talked for another twenty minutes before the chili was ready.
Charles then got up, walked over to the stove and turned it off, removing it from the heat.
While the elder ferret did that, Travis set the table, pulling out bowls, silverware, napkins and glasses, which he then filled with tea for the two of them before sitting down.
Charles then brought the pot of chili to the table, carefully setting it down. He then walked over and retrieved the cornbread he had made for it, then he set it down on the table as well before taking his seat.
“Looks great, Dad. And smells amazing too,” Travis said as his father spooned some of the chili into the two bowls.
Charles smiled. “Thank you, kiddo. Dig in.”
Travis did just that. After crumbling up one of the muffins on top of it, he dipped his spoon into it before taking a spoonful into his muzzle. “Dad?”
“Mmm? Yeah, Travis?”
“It IS delicious,” the young ferret said before he resumed eating.
“I’m glad you approve,” Charles remarked, taking a spoonful into his muzzle as well. “Mmm...”
There wasn’t much conversation that went on between the two after that, as both were happily eating their food, but, as soon as the two were done, Travis got to his feet and helped to clear the table, rinsing the dishes they had used while his father put away the leftovers. When the two had the kitchen cleaned up, Travis walked up to his father, giving him a hug.
Surprised because it came out of nowhere, Charles put his arms around his son. “What was that for,” Charles asked when his son let go.
“I just wanted to show my appreciation for dinner was all,” the young ferret replied.
Charles gave a soft chuckle. “Well, I really am glad you enjoyed it. There’s plenty left for you to have more tomorrow if you’d like.”
“Okay...” Travis then went quiet for about a minute before speaking up. “Dad?”
“Hm?”
“I think I wanna know what I want to get for Christmas for Gideon...”
“What’s that,” the elder ferret asked.
“I want to get him an apron so he has one of his own when he does his baking with his mom. Can we do that?”
Charles smiled. “You bet we can. We can go out tomorrow and see if we can find one you think he’ll like.”
“Sounds good to me.” When Travis left the kitchen, he pulled out his cell, calling Gideon.
The fox immediately answered. “Hey, Travis. Ya doin’ alright?”
“Yeah, I’m fine, Gid. I just wanted to let you know something. I’m still gonna come over tomorrow, but I’ve got something I’m gonna be doing with Dad first. Wanted to let you know so you didn’t think I was blowing you off,” Travis told him.
Gideon gave a snicker. “Travis, Ah wouldn’t have panicked if ya were a little late gettin’ here. If ya got somethin’ ya have ta do before ya come over, then go ahead and do it. Ah’ll still be here when ya get done.”
Travis blushed, hearing that. “R...Right... Heh... I knew that.”
“Seriously though, do whatever ya gotta do, and Ah’ll see ya when ya get done with it.”
“Alright. See you tomorrow then,” the ferret told the fox.
“Yup, sounds good. See ya!”
Travis then hung up his phone, looking to his dad as he walked in. “Was just... heh... letting Gideon know I might be late coming over tomorrow.”
Charles nodded. “And let me guess, he was fine with it?”
“Yeah... He’s been really patient and nice to me lately.”
Again, the elder ferret nodded. “Like I said. Gideon is your friend. He’s not going to suddenly disown you just because you have something you need to do.”
“I hope not, or I’m going to have wasted the money I’ll be spending on his Christmas gift.”
“Right.”
The two ferrets spent a couple more hours watching various Christmas shows before eventually deciding to turn in for the night. As they had done last night, and every night prior to it, the two of them went to Travis’ room before the young ferret climbed in bed, getting cozy under his sheets. “Good night, dad. I love you.”
Charles gave him a kiss on the forehead. “And I love you, kiddo. Very much. Sweet dreams.”
“You too,” Travis said with a yawn.
“Good night, Travis,” Charles said, before shutting off the bedroom light and making his way out of the room and into his own bed.
The following morning, Travis was up before his father, which was something that didn’t happen very often, only really happening whenever Travis was particularly eager about something, and today was no exception. After getting out of bed, taking a shower and getting dressed, Travis walked to his dad’s bedroom.
Charles was awoken almost instantly when Travis pushed the his bedroom door open. He turned to look to his son after sitting up. “Let me guess... You want to get to the store early?”
“Uh huh!” Travis gave an eager nod.
“Let me get a shower in and I’ll get dressed so we can go. How’s that sound?”
Travis nodded. He left his father’s room and made his way to the kitchen. Feeling more excited than he was hungry, Travis made himself a quick bowl of cereal, which he had only just finished as his dad was coming in, having finished upstairs.
“Alright, kiddo. You all set to go,” his dad asked.
“Uh huh,” Travis replied, with the same amount of enthusiasm he’d had earlier. Travis put his empty bowl and spoon in the dishwasher before turning back to his dad. “Let’s go!”
Amused, Charles took his son outside, locked up the house and got in the car, with his son following suit.
Charles drove about five minutes to a store before they got out again.
The two of them then walked into the store, where they were quickly greeted by a rabbit wearing the store uniform. “Good morning! Can I help you find anything today?”
“Go ahead, Travis,” Charles said, giving a soft nod.
“I wanna get an apron for a friend of mine. He likes to bake but he doesn’t have one of his own, and I wanna get him one,” the ferret told the rabbit.
“Hmm... Alright then,” the rabbit replied with a smile. “Follow me. We have a nice selection of them, and I’m sure we can find a good one for your friend.”
“Thank you, sir,” Travis replied, following the rabbit as the two ferrets were led to one of the aisles.
“Here we are,” the rabbit told them, after stopping at one of them. “All of the aprons we have will be on this aisle here.”
Travis nodded and walked over. “Thank you, sir,” Travis said again.
“You are quite welcome. I’ll be nearby if you need my help again.”
Travis gave the rabbit a polite nod before turning to the selection of aprons.
His father’s eyes grew when it took little more than a minute for Travis to come back, holding one of he aprons in his paws. “Found one already?”
Travis nodded with a grin. “Yeah. I saw this one and decided I wanted to get it.” He presented the apron to his father to look at.
Charles took it to look it over. It had red stripes running down it, and had a pie with a smiling face on it. Charles nodded, approvingly. “I agree, kiddo. I’m sure he’ll love this one. Did you want to get him a set of his own oven mitts too?”
Travis’ smile grew even bigger. “Yeah! Can we?”
“Wouldn’t have suggested it otherwise. And I’ll cover the cost of it if you don’t have enough saved up,” Charles told him.
“Thank you,” Travis said, giving his dad a hug. He went with his dad over to where he saw various different oven mitts with different colors and patterns on them. Travis began looking them over. “Hmmm...”
“See any that stand out to you, Travis,” his father asked.
It took Travis a couple minutes to find a pair he liked. The ones he decided on had red stripes similar to the ones on the apron. “These ones. That way, they match the apron.”
Charles took the pair of oven mitts, looking at them with a smile. “I think they go together perfectly. Anything else you want to get for him?”
Travis put his paw to his chin, thinking to himself for several moments, before shaking his head. “Nah. I think that’s good.” He then reached into his pocket, fishing his money out of his wallet before handing it over to his dad.
Charles took it, the apron and the oven mitts up to the front.
The rabbit they had seen before was standing at the register now. He looked to the two ferrets. “Did you find what you were looking for?”
Travis nodded. “We did.”
“That’s great!” The rabbit took the items and began scanning them, eventually giving Charles the total, who then paid for it. He then bagged up the items, putting them into a nice gift bag, which Charles also paid for.. “There you go. You’re all set. Have a Happy Holidays.”
“Happy Holidays,” both ferrets replied in unison as the two of them left the store, heading back to their car. The two of them got in after putting the gifs in the back seat, then Charles drove them home.
It wasn’t long after getting back to the house before Travis left it again, making his way to Gideon’s home.
In the time since the Grey framily had been up, they had finished decorating their house. When they heard the doorbell, Gideon walked over to the door and opened it, seeing his friend standing there. “Hey, Travis. Ya all done?”
“Yeah, I’m done,” the feret said with a smile.
“Well, c’mon in then,” Gideon said, stepping aside to let his friend in.
The pair of them spent the entire day from that point on either watching cartoons or gaming.
Travis had also been invited to stay for dinner. The night eventually drew to a close shortly after and the ferret wished his friend a good night. “Guessing you’re gonna be busy tomorrow?”
“Yeah, Ah mean it IS Christmas Eve tomorrow after all,” Gideon replied, rubbing the side of his neck nervously. “Ah sill have some stuff Ah gotta do before Christmas Day mahself.”
Travis nodded. “Apparently, we’re going somewhere Christmas Day for dinner...” Travis sighed. “So other than to drop off the gift I got you, I probably won’t be available much then either.”
Obviously, Gideon didn’t want to ruin the surprise he had planned for Travis, so rather than speaking, he just held the ferret in a tight hug.
Travis hugged his fox friend back. “Thanks. I needed that.”
Gideon nodded. “Trust me. Yer gonna be fine.”
“I’ll try to stay positive,” the ferret replied.
“Good....” Gideon smiled as his friend turned to leave. “And Travis?”
Travis stopped, looking back at him. “Yeah, Gid?”
“Ah’ll see ya on Christmas Day.”
Travis nodded. “Yup. See ya, Gid.” The feret then left, making his way home. When he got there and got inside, he looked to his father. “Dad?”
Charles had been sitting on the couch, watching another Christmas movie. He turned his head to see his son. “What is it, kiddo?”
“Is it wrong of me to wish we could have Christmas dinner at Gideon’s place,” the ferret asked. Though he was doing his best to hide the sadness in his voice, it was quite hard.
“No, Travis. It’s not,” Charles told him. Almost immediately, Charles stood and walked over, wrapping his son in a hug.
Charles and Travis sat together, finishing watching the movie that Charles had been watching when his son came in. The entire time, Charles had his arm around his son, holding him close. It seemed that was enough to calm his son as they watched.
When the movie had ended, Charles and Travis followed their usual routine of the elder ferret tucking the younger one into bed, kissing him good night and eventually leaving the room. Instead of going to his room though, he instead when back downstairs, retrieving his cell phone and calling Gideon.
After a few moments, Gideon picked up. “Mister Bailey? Did ya have a problem reachin’ Mama and Papa?”
“No, Gideon. I called you directly,” the elder ferret told him, trying to keep his voice down.
“Ah’m willin’ ta bet Ah can guess why, sir,” the kit replied. “Travis?”
“Yeah... Gideon, I need to ask you something, and I need you to be one hundred percent honest with me, alright?”
“Of course, Mister Bailey. What did ya wanna ask,” the kit responded.
“How much does your friendship with Travis mean to you,” the elder ferret asked.
Gideon went quiet for several moments before he finally replied. “Ta be honest, sir... Ah’d call him mah best friend. Ah’d do anythin’ ta help him out and ta cheer him up.”
Charles smiled hearing those words. “I’m glad to hear you say that. I’m going to ask you to do something for me.”
“If it’s ta help Travis, Ah’ll do whatever Ah can. What did ya need me ta do,” the fox asked.
“On Christmas Day, I’m going to be bringing Travis in my car, rather than having him walk to you to drop off your gift. I want you to take him inside and close the door.”
“Uhh... Okay... go on,” Gideon remarked, now curious.
“I want you to do whatever gift trading you need to do, then I want you to specifically ask him if he knows where he’s going for dinner. Whether he gets upset or otherwise outright says he has no idea, I want you to just hug him and keep him held in that hug,” Charles instructed.
“Okay,” Gideon replied, more curious, though now a bit confused.
“Make sure your parents know ahead of time about this plan, because I want you to have one of them call me, out of earshot of Travis, right after you hug him. At which point, I’ll leave my car, come out and knock on the door. Keep Travis in that hug, but I want one of your parents to answer the door. Right as they are answering it, I want you to ask him if he’s absolutely sure he has no idea where he’s going.”
It was only then that Gideon realized where this was going. “And when he says he has no idea, yer gonna come in and that’s when Ah’m supposed ta tell him he’s eatin’ dinner with us.”
“Bingo,” Charles said with a chuckle. “Think you can do that?”
“Yes, sir. Ah can. Ah’ll let Mama and Papa know yer idea right after Ah get off the phone.” Gideon now had a huge grin on his face.
“Thank you, Gideon,” Charles replied.
“It’s like Ah said, Mister Bailey... Ah’ll do anythin’ ta cheer him up. Ah really like this idea..” Gideon paused. “Ah just hope he doesn’t get too upset with us fer hidin’ it fer so long.”
“Honestly, if I know my son like I think I do, he’ll be upset at first, but just knowing he gets to spend Christmas with his best friend will cheer him up immensely... though he might still get teary-eyed from how happy he’ll be.”
“Ah’m pretty sure yer right, but at least he’ll be doin’ it fer a good reason,” Gideon said, still smiling.
“That’s my thought on it too. Thank you again, Gideon. We’ll see you on Christmas,” Charles told him.
“Lookin’ forward ta it,” the kit told Charles. “Have a good night.”
“You too Gideon. Good night.”
“G’night, Mister Bailey,” the fox replied before hanging up.
With that now done, Charles made his way upstairs and went to his room, climbing under his sheets before falling asleep.
Christmas Eve began pretty similar to most days for Travis. He woke up, took a shower, got dressed and made his way downstairs. He went right to the kitchen, making himself a bowl of cereal and sat down to eat it. Soon after, Travis was joined by his father, who greeted him with a smile and sat down with a cup of coffee.
There wasn’t a lot Travis could do, seeing as how Gideon was busy with whatever last minute prep work he had to deal with for Christmas Day. This meant that all Travis could really do was either watch TV for the day or go outside and walk around alone. He eventually decided on the former of the two, since he would have his father for company.
Charles eventually took him out for a quick fast food lunch as it got to be the middle of the day. When they came back, the two of them watched a few different Christmas shows and movies.
By the time dinner rolled around though, Travis couldn’t keep himself calm anymore. As soon as Travis sat down, he started crying.
Charles immediately walked over to him, pulling him up from the chair again and hugged him without a word. He’d known the entire day that Travis could break at any moment, and he made sure to be there when it had happened. As he held his boy, Charles was reaching the point he didn’t think he could keep the following day’s secret too much longer, and he was grateful that the day was almost over.
“Dad?”
Charles looked to his son. “Yeah, kiddo?”
“I don’t want to go out to dinner tomorrow,” the ferret said, sniffing back his tears.
Charles sighed. That was one thing he was worried about in all this. It took everything he had not to tell Travis what was going to happen tomorrow. Instead, all that he could do was hug his son. “Travis...”
The young ferret sniffled. “I’m sorry... That’s not really fair of me, is it? I mean... Christmas is tomorrow and we’re already expected to show up. I’ll still go... but somehow, I don’t think I’ll be hungry.”
“If you don’t want to eat tomorrow, I’m sure there won’t be a problem getting you some stuff to take home. I don’t think it will hurt anyone’s feelings. They already know how hard it is for you.”
Travis just sighed. “It’s just... with Gideon already having plans for Christmas, tomorrow isn’t going to feel any different than last year.”
Charles hung his head. This was painful. Almost too painful. “Travis?”
Travis sniffed his tears back again. “Yeah, Dad?”
Charles went quiet for a moment before replying, “You still want to give Gideon his gift though, right?”
Travis nodded. “Yeah. I do. I still think he’s gonna love it.”
The elder ferret relaxed a little, hearing that. As long as Travis still wanted to go to Gideon’s house, tomorrow’s plan could still move forward. “We’ll do that then. I’ll take you and we’ll drop it off together. How’s that sound?”
Travis nodded. “That sounds good, Dad. Thanks.” The feret then went silent, eating the dinner his father had prepared for the two of them.
The two of them watched a couple more movies before they eventually headed to Travis’ room, so Charles could tuck him in.
“Dad?”
Charles looked at him. “I’m sorry.”
“For what,” Charles asked.
“I’m trying to be happy that Christmas is coming tomorrow, but it’s just... really hard. Things don’t feel right without mom.”
Charles sat on the edge of his son’s bed, holding him close. “I know... Believe me, I do. I miss her too... I’m glad to see you’ve been at least trying to enjoy yourself this year. That is, honestly, one of the reasons I’ve been able to hold it together myself. You’ve surprised me more than once in the last several days with how you’ve been acting. And honestly, kiddo... I’m proud of you.”
Travis raised a brow in surprise. “You are?”
“I am. Very much so. I was worried that you would completely shut down, and yet, on more than one occasion, you’ve tried to let yourself have a good time. It hasn’t been easy, I know, but I love you for trying anyway.”
Travis sniffed back another tear and actually smiled. “I love you too, Dad.” With those words, Travis climbed under his blankets, with Charles getting him tucked in and kissing him as he always did. “Good night.”
“Good night, son. Get some sleep.”
Charles left his son’s room and headed for his own. He then got into bed and fell asleep.
When Christmas morning came, Travis awoke to see his dad was already up and was sitting at his bedside with a smile on his face. This, in turn, caused a small smile to show on his own. “Good morning, Dad.”
“Good morning, kiddo...” Charles handed him a small wrapped box as the young ferret sat up. “And Merry Christmas.”
Travis looked at the box in silence for several moments before replying. “Merry Christmas, Dad.” Travis then opened up the gift, seeming surprised at what he saw. Putting the wrapping paper aside, he now held a box of various art supplies, which included pencils, pens, markers, erasers, and several other items. He looked to his dad, suddenly looking like he was going to cry again. “You didn’t... you didn’t have to do this. There’s no way this was cheap...”
Charles took hold of one of his son’s paws. “I know I didn't have to. I wanted to. And it doesn’t matter how much it cost as long as it made you smile.”
Indeed the tears in Travis’ eyes were tears of happiness. He set the box aside, leaned against his dad and hugged him with a smile. “Thank you...” The ferret then reached over and pulled out a gift box of his own to give his dad.
Charles looked at it curiously and opened it. Inside the box was a brand new coffee mug. When he took it out of the box to look at it, the words ‘World’s Best Dad’ were seen on the side of it. Charles started tearing up, seeing it. “Travis...”
“Merry Christmas, Dad.”
Charles wiped his tears away. “Merry Christmas...”
Travis took the box of art supplies and put them over on his desk as his father left. Around half an hour later, Travis was showered, dressed and had eaten his breakfast, which consisted of pancakes with maple syrup.
After breakfast, the two of them sat and watched a little more TV, which included part of a Christmas parade that was being broadcast.
As it got to be around three in the afternoon, they left their house. Charles gathered up a dish which had a side dish in it for the dinner. He knew Travis would just think it was for whoever’s house they were going to for dinner, so he didn’t bother trying to hide it. He then took Travis to the car and drove him right to Gideon’s house. When he pulled up into the driveway, he looked at his son. “You go on, Travis. I need to grab something first.”
“A gift for his parents, I’m guessing?”
“Something like that,” Charles said with a chuckle.
Travis nodded. “Alright, Dad...” He grabbed the gift bag he had and made his way to the front door, knocking. The door had barely opened at all before the ferret found himself being hugged by his fox friend.
“Hey Travis!” Gideon smiled. “Come on in.” Gideon stepped aside to allow his friend to come in.
Travis stepped inside as Gideon closed the door. He then handed over the gift bag. “Here, Gid. Merry Christmas.”
Gideon took the bag, then reached over, grabbing the gift he got for his friend, handing it to him. “Merry Christmas.”
Travis took the gift, carefully unwrapping it. Inside was a brand new racing game. “Thanks, Gideon.”
“Yer welcome, Travis. Ya like it then,” he asked.
Travis nodded. “I do. Now open yours.”
Gideon smiled, opening the gift bag and pulling out the apron and the oven mitts Travis had gotten him. “Thank ya, Travis!” He looked to the living room, where his mother and father were. “Hey Mama? Papa? Look what Travis got fer me.”
Both elder foxes walked over, seeing Gideon holding the gifts, before his mother spoke up. “Well, now... That’s very sweet of you, Travis.”
Travis smiled. “Thank you, ma’am. And Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” both Amanda and Tyler said at the same time.
Gideon looked at Travis. “Thank ya. These will help a lot when Ah’m cookin’ with Mama.”
Travis nodded.
Gideon then got a bit of a nervous look on his face, but he was quick to relax himself before Travis saw. “So... Uhh... Any idea where yer goin’ for dinner tonight?”
Travis froze. He then frowned as he looked to his friend. “I... I don’t know. Dad won’t tell me.”
Gideon walked up to Travis after putting his stuff aside and hugged Travis to him tightly.
As soon as he had, Amanda was quick to duck away and get out of earshot before making the call to Charles.
Not thirty seconds later, here was a knock at the door.
As Tyler walked to the door to answer it, Gideon broke the hug, looking Travis in the eye. As soon as Tyler opened it, Gideon spoke once more. “Are ya sure ya don’t know where yer goin’ fer dinner?”
Travis looked at Gideon in total silence. There was a tear in his eye now.
Gideon saw that and turned Travis toward the door as it was opened.
Standing there was Charles, holding the side dish he had prepared for the meal.
“Yer eatin’ here, Travis,” Gideon told him.
Travis froze up. “Wh... what?”
“Travis, this is where we’re spending Christmas dinner,” Charles said, coming inside, and passing off the dish to Tyler, who took it to the kitchen.
“But... But I thought...”
“Did you really think I was gonna let you spend Christmas away from your friend, kiddo?”
Gideon smiled. “Mama and Papa have had this planned fer days now. Ah know things have been really hard on ya lately, Travis, and Ah wanted ya ta know how happy Ah am ta have ya as a friend and a part of mah life.”
As the others had predicted, Travis lost it, bawling as he grabbed Gideon, hugging him tightly. Even as he cried though, there was a smile on his face. “Gideon...”
“And the surprises ain’t done yet either,” Gideon told his friend as they hugged.
“What do you mean, Gid,” Travis asked.
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
The two boys sat and talked for a couple minutes before it was time for Christmas dinner.
The dinner was quite large, taking up a huge portion of the table with how much was made. In that time, Travis never stopped smiling. This was noticed by everyone and seeing the smile seemed to have a positive effect on the others around him. When the main meal had finished, everyone helped to clear the table and put away the leftovers, with Amanda making sure several containers were filled with things for the two ferrets to take home.
“Now, I think it’s time for some dessert,” Amanda said, looking to Gideon, who was now grinning. Amanda walked over and brought over a pie from the counter before setting it in the center of the table.
Gideon walked over to grab the second one, putting it right in front of Travis.
Travis looked confused as the fox did this. “Uhh... Gid?”
“Travis... look at the pie,” Gideon told him.
Travis curiously looked at the pie that was placed in front of him. It was a blueberry pie, and right in the center of the crust of the pie was an image of Travis’ face. Travis’ eyes went wide as he looked up again to see Gideon with a huge smile.
“Gideon... I...” Travis grew quiet for several seconds. “Thank you.”
“Yer welcome. Ah made that pie fer ya all by mahself. Took me awhile ta get it ta look right, but Ah’m happy with the result. Ah’m guessin’ yer happy too,” Gideon asked.
“I am. Gideon, this means a lot to me. I know I’ve been up and down a lot lately but I...”
Gideon held up a paw to silence him. “What’s important is yer mah friend. Ah’ll do whatever it takes ta make mah friend smile. No matter what.”
All at once, the others around the young ferret spoke up. “Merry Christmas, Travis.”
“Merry Christmas, guys. And thank you.”
