"What would you like for Christmas this year?" the gentleman asked the child.
He watched as the child's eyes lit up, just for a moment,
before dulling at the memory of his reality.
The child spoke, carefully, for this was important.
For safety, he said with certainty.
For a home I can be sure I will be returning to.
For a bed of our own, my brother and I
For quiet, all through the night.
He thought again.
That my father will return and my mother stop crying.
That there will be enough food and clean water.
That the fighting will stop.
I miss my school, my friends, the books.
New things for my mind to wonder at.
Knowledge of a world where things can be different,
where we are all accepted.
The man asked, "what about gifts? A new toy, clothes?"
The boy was incredulous, unbelieving of the man's naivety.
What is the point of new shoes when there is nowhere to walk in safety?
Who would play with a toy when there is no playfulness in their heart?
What good are things when there is fear and hunger?
The man looked at the boy, wise beyond his years.
"What you say is true, but you must always have hope. There may not be a way for you, but you can be the difference, the way forward, to forge a better future for your people."
The boy contemplated the man's words.
You are right. I don't know the way forward, but I will look for the path.
The future starts with me, and people like me, who will believe in a future of safety, peace and humanity.
That is what I want. Maybe not this Christmas, but one Christmas.
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