The  soft  jingle  of  bells  echoed  throughout  the   house  as  another  cheesy  Christmas  song  came  on.  The  dulcet   tones  and  happy  bass  spread  cheer  across  the  sleek  sound  system,  gifted  by  Santa  last  year.

Flour  coated  the  kitchen  side,  and  pastry  rolled  into  neat  shells  lay  waiting  for  its  delicious  mincemeat  filling.  The  oven  timer  beeped  signalling  the  first  batch  of  mince  pies  were  ready,  and  as  I  opened  the  door  the  heat  greeted  my  face  with  the  delightful  scent  of  Christmas  spice.

The  happy  sounds  of  laughter  travelled  from  the  living  room,  and  my  curiosity  peaked.  I  ventured  into  the  room  and  gasped  at  the  beauty  it  held.

Pines  scattered  across  the  floor   which  left  a  trail  directly  to  the  tree.   It  was  adorned  with  red  and  gold  tinsel  that  had  baubles  to  match.  The  colourful  lights  twinkled  elegantly,  beaming  like  a  beacon  to  the  man  in  red.

The  joy  that  came  with  the  countdown  to  Christmas  ignited  the  spirit  that  roamed  about  the  house.  Invisible  to  the  eye  like  specks  of  dust,  it  brought  smiles  instead  of  sneezes.

Dusk  gave  way  to  night  and  the  stars  partnered  with  the  moon  for  light.  Serenity  washed  over  me,  as  the  simple  pleasures  in  life  completed  me.

I  sat  on  the  windowsill  with  my  chin  resting  on  my  knees.  I  stared  out  the  window  and  watched  the  nights’  sky.  Two  stars  sparkled  brighter  than  the  rest  and  it  brought  tears  to  my  eyes.

The  evil  of  life  that  succumbed  us  all,  was  the  death  that  robbed  us  of   this  world.  Two  great  humanitarians,  though  different  in  their  nature,  shared  a   tremendous  commonality  in  helping  others.  They  lost  their  lives,  and  joined  the  sky  as  the  shiniest  of  stars.  It  left  an  empty  space  beside  my  heart  to  think  of  sorrow  at  such  a  merry  time  of  year.  I  didn’t  need  to  believe  in  the  same  faith  as  everyone  else  to  have  compassion  run  deep  in  my  veins.

As  the  night  continued,  the  silent  whisper  of  the  wind  danced  about  the  leaves  that  had  gathered  on  the  ground.  I  closed  my  eyes,  and  sent  a  wish  to  the  beautiful  stars  that  glistened  like  diamonds.

I  hoped  they’d  find  peace.