EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the final chapter of a 12-part fictional Christmas tale. Parents are encouraged to read aloud with their children.

For the first time Anna could remember, she didn’t have the usual bittersweet feeling about Christmas being over. This year was different; the feeling that she and Tyler got from helping others was the best kind of Christmas spirit ever, and it didn’t have to end with the holidays.

On the day after Christmas, they were full of excitement as they entered the Book Secret. It was crowded in the small store, and Mr. Hinkly was busy waiting on customers.

They slipped through the crowd back to the storeroom, and Anna realized she was holding her breath.

Slowly, she let it out as she stared at the wooden door to the cleaning closet. Her stomach sank lower with every second the black door didn’t appear.

“Maybe it just doesn’t have anything to show us today,” Tyler said, sounding unconvinced of his own words.

“Actually, I think the work it does through you is finished for now.” Anna jumped at Mr. Hinkly’s voice behind her. “It’s shown you what you need to know.”

“What? How can it be finished? Surely there are more people that need our help!” she said, and Mr. Hinkly smiled kindly.

“Just because the doorway isn’t there to show you how to spread kindness doesn’t mean you have to stop,” he said, and Anna brightened a bit.

“You’re right. I’m sure there’s a lot we can do — we just have to keep our eyes open for opportunities.”

Mr. Hinkly grabbed a box of books and turned to leave the storeroom. “You’re exactly right, Anna. There’s a world of good you can do — and I have no doubt you’ll brighten the lives of countless people.”

Anna found herself getting excited at the possibilities ahead of her, letting go of her disappointment. She thought of how far they’d come, of all the good they’d been able to do in such a short amount of time, and she was ready to keep up the momentum.

She grinned at Tyler, linking her arm through his as they left the storeroom. “Come on, let’s get our cocoa and plan our next move.”

“What do you mean? How will we know who needs help?”

“I think if we start paying attention, we’ll see people everywhere just need a little kindness thrown their way. It will be like…like…”

“Permanent Christmas spirit?”

“Exactly!” Anna grinned as they settled into their favorite table in the corner with steaming cups of cocoa. “Because shouldn’t the season of giving be every season?”

Tyler smiled back. “We’ll make sure of it.”

They toasted their cups and sat in contented silence, watching the snow falling outside.

*

Eight years later, Christmas Eve…

Anna wiped down the counter at the cafe and shook her head. “I don’t know why these kids can’t keep the cocoa in their cups.”

Tyler looked over from where he was stacking mugs and laughed. “I seem to remember when you were the one spilling cocoa all over the place.”

“Never!” Anna giggled as Tyler winked at her, a twinkle in his eye.

He’d had a new outlook on life ever since they’d discovered the magic door when they were kids. And that wasn’t the only thing that was new; he and Anna realized in high school that their feelings went beyond friendship, and were now engaged to be married.

Anna was constantly delighted at the turns their lives had taken. She was in her second year of business school and had taken over managing the store part time. She hoped to take over completely one day, both here and at her father’s store when he retired. It wouldn’t be easy, but she was excited at the possibilities.

Tyler also worked at the Book Secret while he studied philanthropy and nonprofit business. He had big plans to one day start his own charity helping families in need.

The bells above the door jingled, and Anna smiled as a teenage girl walked in. “Welcome to the Book Secret! Anything we can help you find?”

The girl chewed her bottom lip nervously, glancing around.

“I hope so. But you might think I’m crazy,” she said quietly.

Anna and Tyler exchanged a look. “I promise we won’t,” Anna said.

The girl took a deep breath. “I’ve been having dreams about this place. We just moved here, and I didn’t realize it was this store until we drove by last week. But as soon as I saw the storefront I couldn’t believe it. It was this exact store in my dreams…and there’s a big, fancy door. I see it so clearly and it’s like it wants me to find it.”

She sighed, her cheeks red. “I know how it sounds.”

Anna and Tyler stared at the girl in shock. Tyler recovered first and smiled gently. “It sounds like you’re in the right place,” he said. “Come with us.”

He motioned for her to follow as he headed to the storeroom. “I’m Tyler. That’s my fiancee, Anna,” he said over his shoulder.

“I’m Melody,” she replied, hurrying after him.

They led Melody into the storeroom, and while Anna and Tyler saw the boring supply closet, Melody gasped and her eyes widened in awe.

“What is it?” she whispered.

“Something amazing,” Anna answered. “Go in and take a look — I promise it’s safe. When you come back out we can have cocoa and talk about it.”

“But Melody,” Tyler said, “don’t go in there unless you’re ready to have your life changed.”

“For the better?”

Tyler grinned and nodded, and Melody walked toward the black door that only she could see.

Anna rested her head on Tyler’s shoulder and sighed, happy the door continued to show others how to make a difference in the world, and still allowed her to be a part of it.

“Merry Christmas, Tyler,” she whispered.

He kissed the top of her head. “And peace on Earth.”

• The End