Her head bowed low so we couldn't watch her eyes.
"There was another doll, a very handsome young man,
and his arm came off when I tried to take off his coat.
I was whipped, not only for breaking the doll, but for
wanting to see what was underneath the clothes." Chris and I sat silent, but Carrie perked up and
showed great interest in the funny little dolls in their
fancy, colorful costumes. She particularly favored the
baby in the crib. Because she was so interested, Cory
moved so he, too, could investigate the many
treasures of the dollhouse.
That was when Momma turned her attention on
me. "Cathy, why were you looking so solemn when I
came in? Didn't you like your gifts?"
Because I couldn't answer, Chris answered for me.
"She's unhappy because the grandmother refused the
gift we made for her." Momma patted my shoulder
but she avoided my eyes. Chris continued, "And thank
you for everything--there's nothing you didn't remind
Santa Claus to bring. Thank you most of all for the
dollhouse. I think our twins are going to have more
fun with that than anything else."
I fixed my gaze on the two tricycles for the twins
to ride in the attic and strengthen their thin, weak legs
while they pedaled. There were roller skates for Chris
and me to use in the attic schoolroom only. That room
was insulated with plastered walls, and hardwood
flooring, making it more soundproof than the rest of
the attic.
Momma got up from her knees, smiling
mysteriously before she left. Just outside the door she