The solstice sun sank ushering in a universe of distant suns migrating past the living room window, just behind the tree. Luke faded into sleep as the tree leaned toward the window looking outside for an old friend. Luke’s head rested within that little mountain scene beneath the tree; the cotton snow, the plastic deer full of curiosity and the miniature undecorated pines pointing to a heaven of stars. The tree creaked as it bent further toward the window and awakened Luke. From his unique point of view he saw through the pine needles to the stars outside and he recognized a constellation. The foolishness of his position was only exceeded by the thought that maybe he and the tree were now both contemplating the universe outside. Luke turned his head and his eyes met the painted eyes of the plastic deer,
"Tell me, my dear. Am I crazy?"
The deer seemed to reflect the question back to him. Well then, I’m taking a trip by myself. Packing some things and heading out to where, I don’t know. The tree remained still while its lights were busy blinking.
He checked his watch and decided it was time to move. He arose from the ‘mountain scene’ and wandered into the kitchen. His stomach gurgled and the word ‘pizza’ came out. This was the right food for a new beginning; a celebration of some kind. He had the taste and went to the phone. Soon, a raspy voice responded to his call,
“Lou’s thin cheese, delivered like a breeze. Can I help you?”
“This is Luke Matthews. I want the Canadian bacon and pineapple, one. Lou, I’ve got the taste.”
“You’re a true ‘cone-a-sewer’ of pizza my man. Usual price and that is the same address, right?”
“Yes, and merry Christmas, Lou.”
“Same to you and safe driving wherever you go.”
Luke had a puzzled look for a second, hung up the phone and briskly walked to his bedroom and peered into the closet. Now where is that small travel bag of mine? It was lost in a dark corner. He lifted it up and blew inside, raising a choking cloud of dust. Then he laid out underwear, socks, shoes, etc. Guess I need my good camera. Oh, and the flashlight, binoculars and maybe, maybe not the Tablet. This is an adventure.
Soon he stood back and scanned the fully covered bed. I never could travel light; always filling a friend’s car trunk on trips, me wanting to cover all possible occurrences. Felt good with all that stuff. Come to think back, usually someone ended up finding a need for one of my extras, like a bandage and I did enjoy that ‘helper’ role on the trip.
“BUZZ , BUZZZ , BUZZZZ”
Luke ran to the door and noticed how askew the tree appeared and that the lights were off. His gut knotted a bit and yet it also craved pizza. He opened the door and saw a tall, lanky figure that appeared to be a teenager, by the acne on his face.
“Here’s your order, sir. Pineapple and Californian bacon.”
Luke did not try to correct the bacon error. He fumbled with his wallet and pulled out a $20 bill without realizing. He noted a deformed hand sticking out from underneath the pizza box,
“Just keep the change and Merry Christmas kid.”
“Thanks sir. And ah, your tree seems to be falling over. Might want to get a stand for it.”
Luke shut the door and went to check,
“Wake up my friend. You are still a mystery and Christmas has not yet arrived.”
The seconds drifted by in silence and that lonely feeling crept over his eyes. The starlight stuttered, the red lights blinked wildly and the ornaments banged into one another. Then, all was quiet. Luke’s shoulders straightened as the tree became fully erect. A big sigh rushed out,
“Oh. That’s better. Were you lost in those stars outside the window?”
Five minutes past and Luke was inhaling the pizza and washing it down with ginger ale. I’m going to bed and get up early for this adventure. And, I’m not waiting for any distractions from the folks.”
Soon the food did its work and he was in bed dreaming.