The Christmas Comet🔊

For as long as she could remember, Sarah loved the holidays. From the cosy, warm atmosphere to the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting from the kitchen, everything about it felt magical. The town where she lived, Cascade, Oregon, was especially enchanted during this time. Nestled at the foot of the mountains, Cascade was enveloped in a blanket of snow, its houses brightly lit with twinkling lights. Sarah particularly cherished one thing above all else - a tradition that transpired only during the festive season: the visit from the Christmas Comet.

Every 75 years, on Christmas Eve, the Christmas Comet soared across the night sky of Cascade. It was an event Princess Sarah, mesmeric, dazzling, filled with wonder and mystery. What made it even more intriguing was that it was said to grant the dearest wish of one lucky onlooker. This year was particularly significant for Sarah, as the comet's imminent arrival coincided with her 16th birthday.

Something troubled Sarah, though. Her grandmother, Nana Rose, was ailing. Her health was deteriorating, and the doctors said it would be a miracle if she made it through the icy winter. Nana Rose had always been Sarah’s guiding star; the thought of losing her was unbearable. She recalled the many stories of the Christmas Comet told by Nana Rose, reminiscing, tears welling in Sarah's eyes, about the time when she was 16, and her wish was granted.

As Christmas approached, so did Sarah's predicament. She was torn between enjoying the festivities or worrying about her grandmother. She needed a miracle. An idea struck her. What if the Christmas Comet could grant her a wish? It sounded far-fetched and the stuff of fairy tales, but she had hope. She decided to save her wish for Nana Rose, to ask for her health and a chance to see another Christmas together.

On Christmas Eve, the town of Cascade was abuzz with anticipation. Despite the biting cold, the townsfolk had gathered to witness the mythical celestial event—a sight that would only be visible to the next generations. The moon shone brightly, illuminating the courtyard where everyone was gathered. Sarah was there too, her heart filled with an ardent plea, eyes focused intently on the starlit canvas above.

Just as the clock hit midnight, the Christmas Comet made its grand appearance. It streaked across the starry sky, outshining everything. Sarah stood spellbound, witnessing the marvel of the universe. At that instant, she made her silent plea.

'May Nana Rose recover and live to experience many more Christmases with us.'

As the light from the comet faded away, silence fell over the town. Though Sarah felt calmness enveloping her, she was unsure whether her wish would be granted.

Christmas morning arrived, and Sarah rushed to her grandmother’s room. As she opened the door, she found Nana Rose sitting up in her bed, smiling. Her pale face was replaced with a pinkish hue; her eyes sparkled with a particular vivacity. Overwhelmed, Sarah ran to her side. Nana Rose, surprising everyone, was recovering.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Nana Rose's health dramatically improved. The Christmas Comet had indeed performed a miracle or so it seemed. Thanks to the extraordinary incident, Sarah and her family enjoyed many Christmases together. To date, the tale of the Christmas Comet and its miracle remains a cherished legend in the town of Cascade.

The story reinforces the belief that the universe listens when the heart truly desires. Even in the darkest times, hope remains, and sometimes old tales carry the warmest truths. The miracle might have been a coincidence, but for Sarah and the town of Cascade, it was the magic of the Christmas Comet that saved Nana Rose.