Christmas in the Hills

Brent sits quiet at his desk. Her voice hums with Christmas tunes. Tree lights flicker

against the moon. Two little feet run down the hall.

Excited whispers echo small. Northern Kentucky sky is cold and

gray, but the warmth inside won't fade away. Take me out

to the hills tonight. Black pickup rolling under fading light. Dogs in the

back barking at the breeze. Christmas in the air,

bare winter trees. Ornaments scatter on the floor. Pine needles stick, but who's keeping

score? Four dogs howl like a makeshift choir. Fireplace crackles,