It was Christmas morning. Packy's mother was excited. Excited because today was the day she was to give the little black kitten to her son, Packy.

That was all he talked about: the little black kitten. He was miserable ever since he had to give her up. He was extremely depressed.

Yet that was all about to change. It was not easy hiding a small, lively black kitten who meowed constantly. She kept the kitten in her room; would not let her son in her bedroom, in case he would find out about the kitten; she wanted it to be a surprise.

She got Packy up, got him dressed, took care of his personal needs. As he was eating his breakfast of Count Chocula cereal, she kissed him on the head, wished him a Merry Christmas. She then took her son to the livingroom when he was finished.

At the sight of the lit up Christmas tree, the gifts under it, Packy gasped in awe. His eyes widened, his face lit up when he exclaimed in a soft voice: "Santa's been here!"

"Yes, he has! He's brought gifts for you because you've been a very good little boy", Packy's mother replied, delighted at her son's facial expression. "I am sure you will love what he brought all the way from the North Pole!"

Soon, boy and mother were settled in front of the Christmas tree. One by one, the gifts were handed out. New clothes. New socks, new underwear. New cd's. New books. A movie or two. Some electronic toys. Things to keep a little boy busy, entertained. Yes, it was a delightful Christmas for a sad little boy who didn't seem so sad now.

When all the packages had been handed out, Packy's mother went into the other room. She soon returned. In her arms was a tiny ball of fluff, sporting a brand new bright red collar. At the sight of his little feline friend, Packy's face lit up brighter than the Christmas tree and he gasped with joy.

"And this little girl, she came to you all the way from the North Pole just to see you!" his mother said, smiling broadly. "Merry Christmas, Packy! She's yours!"

Packy started crying, but this time with joy. His dream of having the kitten in his life had finally come true . He wanted a friend; just when things looked dark, fate intervened--no, it was something more than fate; it was a miracle. A miraculous happening that could not be explained.

He took the little meowing ball of kitten into his arms, buried his face into her fur, where he started crying anew. He was overcome with joy; he was trembling with the excitement of it all. "Don't you worry, little girl", he crooned to the kitten, "I'll take good care of you!"

Immediately Jingle Bells dissolved into purrs. Her little body trembled as she settled in Packy's arms, started licking him on the face, which caused the little boy to burst into a fit of giggles. Somehow the little kitten knew that she was here to stay, that she now had a home--and a family.

It was not only a good day for Packy and his mother: it was also a very good day for the little black kitten named Jingle Bells.

~The End.~