Christmas Spirit

A few minutes later the customer approached the counter with two, twenty by twenty five centimeter silver frames. “I can’t decide between these two” he said “which would you choose?”

Anja inspected the two frames. One was plainer than the other. The more ornate one was one of her favourite pieces in the shop but not as safe a choice as the other. So she said “I like this one” she said pointing to the more decorative frame “but for your mother I think I’d pick this one” pointing to the plainer one “but you know her. I think it should be your decision.”

The man looked at the two frames for a minute and then lifted his eyes to meet her gaze. “I think I’ll take them both and decide later.”

Surprised but not going to argue Anja nodded. “Would you like them gift wrapped?”

“No that’s fine. I’ve held you up long enough. Besides I want to put a photo in one of them. Just put them in separate bags please?”

Anja smiled, rung up his purchases, handed over his change and gave him the two bags.

“Thank you so much for letting me in” he said as she walked him to the door.

“No problem” she said with a smile before opening the door.

“I think it was a problem” he said “I know you must want to get home and I’m very grateful. Holding out one of the bags he added “this one is for you.”

Anja was shocked. She did not know what to say.

“Please” he said offering the bag again as she had made no move to take it. “If you don’t like it for yourself, you can sell it again.”

Anja took the bag and looked in it. She saw that he had given her the ornate frame that she really liked. “No” she said shaking her head. “I love this frame.”

He smiled. “Good” he said “can I ask your name?”

“Anja” she said automatically, still reeling from the unexpected gift.

“I’m Sacha” he said “Merry Christmas Anja.”

“Merry Christmas” she said and after raising a hand in farewell, he left.