Page 22 - Sophie's Christmas With Teddy & Mouse

Together
It was the day before Christmas and Teddy disguised himself as a gift under the Christmas Tree, with a big, shiny red ribbon tied around his ears.
It was Teddy and Dad’s private little joke, now Teddy had found a dad he could laugh and make jokes together with.
Mouse's disguise as a present was even funnier. He had to stand still all night, wearing a high black cap on his head, dressed up as a Nutcracker.
Teddy started to sniff. He was touched. "You were right Mouse, I'm the happiest teddy bear in the world, with the sweetest mum and dad I could ever have imagined. Sophie and Sam are my big sister and brother and you, dear Mouse, you are the best friend I never had."
Mouse gave him a wink, his plan was a success, he didn't have to say anything, they both knew that their friendship was for ever.
Together they listened under the Christmas tree to the sounds of Teddy's new family, cozy sounds, a humming song, a Christmas carol sung by Mum with her beautiful voice.
And Dad who stumbled around in the bathroom, not quite awake yet because he decorated the big Christmas tree well into the night. The tree was full of lights, in silver and gold colours with glittering Christmas balls hanging above the gifts. Gifts for everyone, and because it was her birthday a special gift for Sophie, Dad's little big girl.
They are all looking forward to the story to be read by Dad from the book, Sophie and Teddy's Favourite Story. It was a Christmas tale about the little robins, who decorated the white snow-covered branches in the old apple orchard with beautiful lights. An old story about the Snowman who almost drowned but was bravely saved by his friends.
Sam raced down the stairs, he couldn't wait a moment longer.
Sophie giggled nervously because it was her birthday again , looked at her new friends all wrapped up as presents and said with a big smile, "Now we are all friends!"
Teddy and Mouse were inseparable and with Little Fox the cat, brother Sam, Mum, Dad and Sophie they lived joyfully together in the beautiful old house with the apple trees, where the robins sang happily until the sun went down. The Snowman had never been so happy, he’d made many friends from the forest and he always waved a friendly smile to everyone.