Smith had looked for Markus at breakfast but he was not there. This was nothing unusual so he picked up some juice and the cooked selection, along with bread and fruit and set off for the office. He knocked on the door knowing Markus was in there but when he did not get a reply he was turned to leave. Then on impulse he tried once more.

“Come in,” came the tired reply. Markus looked up from his desk. He had pulled another all-nighter and was beginning to regret trying to revive the Christmas feast so soon after winning the last battle over Daniel’s forces. He held in a sigh as Smith came in with the tray. “What can I do for you?”

“Actually I have something for you.” Smith put the tray down.

Markus looked at the tray and pushed it away slightly. “Yes I know I missed breakfast but you didn’t have to…”

“Actually I did.” Smith pushed the tray back. “You see you’re going to need all your strength to get this country back on its feet and skipping meals isn’t the way to go about it.”

“Yes Daddy,” Markus said picking up the juice. He drank some and then looked up. “Was there something else or are you just going to make sure I eat this.”

Smith looked at him that wide eyed innocent look in his eyes. “Actually yes there was.” He reached into his pack and pulled out a small green plant with huge red flowers. “I found this… well it took a great deal of searching but…”

Something lit up in Markus’s eyes. “The flower of the holy night,” he whispered. “Mom had one every year. It would sit on the window sill by the tree.” He swallowed hard for a moment. “Thank you.”

Smith smiled. “You’re welcome.”