As she left the office amid the well wishing, she mutterod to herself, "Merry Christmas indeed! I wish I were a bear and could go into hibernation until the blamed thing is over and done with."

When she arrived at the apartment she found it empty. The unlighted tree looked as dismal as Charlie folt. She walked past it to the kitchen and poured herself a shot.

The phone rang and Charlie begrudgingly sauntered back to the living room to answer it.

"Merry Christmas!" said the voice on the other ond of the line.

Charlie stuffod the words back through the mouth piece automatically.

"You don't sound vory morry, Charlotto." It was Suo's nother.

"Guess I'm a little tired, but after a bit of Christmas spirits, I'll probably brighten up," Charlie replied.

"I'm sure you will, doar. Are you going to be with your family tonight?"

"No, we'll all be getting together tomorrow. I'm expecting some friends later this evening," Charlie answered,

"That's good. I think Christmas is especially the time when all our loved ones should be together. Is Suo there?"

"No, she hasn't come home from work yet."

"Our plans have been somewhat changed. Nancy and her husband won't be able to make it tonight."

"Oh?"

"Jim is having car trouble and ho insists it will be too late by the time he gets the car fixed to bring the children. Evon on Christmas Eve, he doesn't believe in relaxing the children's bedtime."

6