"You wouldn't have been curious about this and called Ashmir, do you have anything you want to ask about?" asked Judge Ark.
"Yes, I'm looking for a toy for my daughter," I replied.
"Can you tell me what kind of toy it is?" Judge Ark asked.
I pulled up a picture of the toy on my smartphone and showed it to him.
Urki, who was nearby, took a look and exclaimed,
"I've seen that toy before!"
"Really?" I asked, hopeful.
"Yes, I'm sure it was one of the toys we prepared," Urki confirmed.
I was overjoyed to finally locate the toy I had been searching for all day.
Both I and Yerin's faces lit up.
"I'm so sorry, but could we possibly get that toy? I'll pay for it," I said.
"Don't worry about the cost. Given what we owe you, it's the least we could do," Judge Ark said with a smile.
"I wish I could repay you properly. It's disappointing that all I can offer is a toy," Judge Ark added, looking slightly disappointed.
"Just getting the toy is enough for me," I said.
"You may think so, but we cant. You're still taking care of the Divine beast on our behalf, which is far from enough," Judge Ark replied.
I nodded in agreement with Ark's sincere attitude.
"Now, let me ask you a favor," Judge Ark said.
"?"
Time went by, and on Christmas Eve, the entire family gathered in the house.
A festive mood was created with the decoration of a Christmas tree, which was unusual for us, and the preparation of various colorful cakes and delicious food.
Everyone, including Speranza, Akum, Cheese, and the Divine Beast, was satisfied after eating their favorite food.
Even my mother, who was usually quiet, seemed to enjoy the Christmas festivities.
"It's not bad to celebrate Christmas so joyfully," she said with a smile.
I also shared a subtle smile while enjoying the Christmas Eve dinner.
As the night went on, the children who had eaten to their heart's content began to nod off, one by one.
Akum and the Divine Beast were first to fall asleep and were moved to their pre-prepared beds.
My mother also went to bed, and Cheese, who had yawned loudly, followed her.
Only Speranza and I were left.
"Unnnn"
Even though it was time for bed, Speranza was rubbing her eyes, trying to stay awake.
"Speranza, it's time for bed now," I said softly.
"But I want to see Santa, Papa," she mumbled, half asleep.
I hugged her tightly around my arms at her cute appearance, and then slowly carried her to our bed.
Speranza was worried that Santa wouldn't come because there were no chimneys, but I reassured her that he would enter through the window.
With that assurance, she fell asleep with a peaceful expression.
I made sure she was covered and warm, and then lay down on the bed next to her.
With the sound of the children breathing in the room, I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.