The woman in the checked coat had driven away with her tree. Joshie and his mother had gone off in search of dry clothes. And there was no one waiting in line at the cash register. Things were so quiet, Katie could hear Christmas music playing from speakers set up around the tree farm. “Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, of all the trees most lovely!” Katie sang along with the music. Her Christmas spirit was back. After all, she was only cranky Holly on the outside. She was still jolly Katie on the inside. That was a problem. For all she knew Grandma and Nick were looking for her right now. And they wouldn’t be able to find her anywhere. Katie looked hopefully around for any sign of the magic wind’s return. Unfortunately she didn’t see any wild tornados coming her way. What she did see, though, was a father and his two little girls. This family stood out from the other shoppers at the farm. They weren’t all bundled up in gloves and heavy coats. Their coats were thin. The kids had their hands shoved in their pockets to keep them warm.
