EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fifth chapter in a 12-chapter fictional tale that will run through Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children.

By MEGAN SMITH

and HOLLY NITTOLI

Correspondents

In the morning, they found a star nestled in the arm of one of the giant toy soldiers outside. The tag attached read “Wish: Fun toys to make the holidays brighter for Santa’s smallest of friends.”

The moment they entered the toy store, their jaws dropped and their eyes were wide with wonder at the sight of hundreds of animatronic toys. Everything either moved, lit up, talked or sang, and little elves bustled around the room like Christmas robots.

“Hello!”

They all jumped at the voice and turned to see a short man with curly white hair descending a spiral staircase.

“Welcome!” he said, arms out wide. “My name is Kris Jingle, and this is my toy store. Today I’m lucky enough to call you my honorary elves!”

Giggles erupted all around them, and Gabby stared at the robotic elves.

“These are my helpers.” He proudly gestured to the elves. “They are busy, busy, busy, and they just love to have visitors.”

“But they aren’t real…are they?” Noah asked.

Gabby bent and squinted at the back of an elf that was building a dollhouse, and she could plainly see it had bolts on its upper arms.

“They’re as real as we believe they are,” Kris said. “And today, they will lead you in your task of making toys for the children’s hospital in Cottonwood Cove, and then the four of you get to deliver them!”

“How will we get there?” Gabby’s mom asked. “Have you seen our car?”

Kris laughed. “Never fear, a ride will be arranged for you.” He clapped his hands and moved on. “Now, I think that mom, you and Noah will head up to the second level and work on the boys’ presents. And Gabby, you and dad can stay down here and build for the girls.”

They all got a long list of toys and instructions and were shown to their work areas. It didn’t take long for Gabby and her dad to fall into a rhythm.

They were hard at work assembling dolls and stuffed animals when Gabby began humming along to “Let it Snow” as it played from hidden speakers.

Before long, she and her dad were singing along loudly, and from somewhere above Mom and Noah joined in. When the chorus came up, every robot elf in the building joined in with “Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!”

And it did. Right there inside the warm shop, snow was falling all around them — but from where, they couldn’t tell.

Mom and Noah appeared at the railing above. “Do you see this?” Noah called as he ran his hand along the railing and tossed the pile of snow down toward them. “It’s actual snow, but it’s not getting anything wet!”

“Ah, twelve o’clock!” Kris said, appearing from a door behind the register. “Cocoa and cookie time!”

“Wow, kiddo!” Dad exclaimed. “We’ve been working for hours! Time flies when you’re in a magical toy store, doesn’t it,” he laughed.

But Gabby just looked up at him, a tear glistening in her eye.

“Peanut. What’s wrong?” Dad asked, grabbing her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Nothing. It’s dumb.”

“Impossible. Nothing you feel is ever going to be dumb. Tell me.”

She let out a breath. “I just…miss this. Us. Doing stuff together. It’s been a really long time since we had…”

“A daddy-daughter date,” he finished quietly, then sighed. “Oh Gabs, I really screwed up, didn’t I? I let work take control of my time, and it took me from what matters the most. It’s so easy to see it now. I’m so sorry, sweetheart. Can you forgive me?”

She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. “Yes, of course!”

Pulling back, he looked her in her eyes. “I’m going to do better, I promise.”

“Enjoy your treats!” Kris said, opening the door so four rocking horses could exit, each carrying trays of peppermint cocoa, snickerdoodles and small finger sandwiches on their seats. They glided smoothly around the floor as if they had wheels and not just the rocking legs they were built on.

But as the four of them sat on a sofa in the corner and enjoyed the delicious offerings, they didn’t even think it was strange at all. Not in a place like this.

Read chapter 6 in tomorrow’s newspaper.