Red-striped Pajamas

In 2002, I wrote a short story at Christmas and made some little books with it to give as presents. I now give it to you, Dear Reader. Enjoy.

 

Red-striped Pajamas

(a Christmas love story)

When he was 5 years old, he got red-striped pajamas for Christmas. He loved those pajamas and wore them every night. When they needed to be washed, his mother would have to be sure and have them ready by bedtime, or he would refuse to go to bed.

He wore those pajamas for almost a year. They were worn through in a few places and a bit small by then. He cried when his mother threw them out. She chided him, saying he was too big a boy to cry over such things.

He got new pajamas, but they were green and yellow checked. His mother said she couldn’t find any red-striped ones in his size. He got over his loss, but always felt that something was missing in his life.

As the years went by he grew older, of course, and other concerns took precedence. The pace of his life increased and he was too busy to reflect on how empty his life really was.

When he was 50 he met the woman of his dreams. They fell in love and got married. Their first Christmas together she gave him red-striped pajamas that she’d made herself.

“How did you know?” he cried happily.

She replied, “You talk in your sleep. Merry Christmas.”

And it was.