Christmas Eve was definitely a long and miserable day for Mary and Daren. There was simply no communication throughout the afternoon and early evening as Daren received the silent treatment. How much longer would he have to endure the punishment? Was Mary being stubborn and maintaining her silence for a personal, angry promise made to herself earlier that day? She sat there on the sofa, eating cookies while watching TV. And it was suddenly noticeable that she no longer wore the love pendant.
Daren had some additional Christmas surprises for his wife, and he hoped it would pull her out of the angry stupor. On the night before Christmas as Muffin sat at Mary"s feet in hopes for some cookie crumbs, the classic black & white Christmas Carol played on the large TV.
Daren finally spoke, “So ar
