The First gift

Stephen McBride was working in the late hour in his office. It was snowing outside. Air was filled with the joy of Christmas. Everyone was enjoying holidays. This young man was working due to an urgent call. Three days away from Christmas. Every thing seemed to dance and glitter. Away form all these sentiments he was leaning over his office table. There was picture of his father and mother on each side of his table. His mother had died when he was quite young. Time has even faded her memories form his life. All he remembered was just his work and few friends. Working alone, he has become used to silence. Outside form office window he can see lights of Christmas tree and children playing around it.There was something that was occupying his thoughts now at the end of all work. He seemed to hurry back now. Holding, a colored packet in his hand; he rushed towards his car in the parking. He stopped at the front of a huge wooden door of old shape, decorated with shining metal. He rang the bell. A young man came out and vigorously hugged him. Stephen being tired can not give back the same enthusiastic response. Yet passing a huge smile said “Div! Here is your gift I remained busy this year sorry to come such an inconvenient time”. David William was very intimate friend of Stephen. Both like and love each other. David knew him well smiled and said “its ok! But you should pay some attention to the joyful time of this season also; working working it will not do any good in the end.” David was also holding a packet in his hand. Stephen asked what is this one for? David answered “Oh! This one is for my father”. Hardly those words were uttered they lead Stephen into some deep thoughts. His friend David confused at such reaction just staring at his friend. Stephen lost himself in the memories of his father who had brought him up with so mush love since his mother died. Stephen had never given any gift to his father at any Christmas. He was remembering the time his father gave gifts to him every year with the note that he was the most lovable for him. David tried to continue the talk by dropping sudden broken link between them and said “I always give gift to my father and mother since childhood”. This led Stephen again into a mental struggle to come out of all the scenes from childhood; his father bringing gift for him and kiss him on checks.After listening to these words he immediately left his friend. David asked him “what happened? Where are you going suddenly?” Stephen only said “just an old business I forgot long”. Stephen went straight towards market. It was very late every where he went he found “closed” mark at front door. Wandering for very long time he at last found a shop opened. He went in and bought a wrist watch for his father. Running towards home he saw that light was still on. He went inside and saw that his father was lying asleep on the study table. There was a picture of Stephen at one side of table and on other side there was a gift with the name of Stephen. His father had not given him Christmas gift because he remained busy in office. Stephen had called his father before coming to home and that’s why his father had prepared a gift for him. It took too long for Stephen to come back. His father went asleep waiting for his precious child. Stephen eyes filled with tears. In his excitement he called out to his father, but no response. When he put his hand on the shoulder of his father his father Mr. McBride went away on other side. He quickly held his father and felt no heart beat. He checked the pulse but there was no movement. His father had gone too far waiting for his Christmas gift. Tears started coming down form his eyes. He again went into memories and hugged the dead body of his father. He put his first jewelry gifts Christmas gift to his father’s hand and hided his face in hands. Nothing can be done now. He had never thought of giving anything to his father. The time had gone now. Mr. McBride can not get up to see his son bringing gift for him and experience the joy. Stephen first gift became last gift.Christmas is time to share the joys love. Hurry up unless you also become too late to share.