‘What’s wrong?’ said his father, gentle concern in his voice.
‘One of the boys at school told me today that Santa isn’t real.’ Fresh tears welled in the child’s eyes. His father, kneeling before his son, placed a caring hand on the boy’s shoulder.
‘Tell me,’ he said, wiping away a tear with his other hand. ‘Do you believe in Santa?’
‘Yes,’ mumbled the boy, his gaze downcast.
‘Well then,’ said his father with a smile. ‘That’s all that matters, doesn’t it?.’
The boy looked up and returned the smile.