Hard Candy Christmas

Posted on Fri Dec 22nd, 2023 @ 3:12am by Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Holodeck 2
760 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

Gary had wrapped his presents for Lia and little Lia and then hid them from prying eyes and searching fingers until the big day. That done he went to the holodeck he needed to pay his respects to special someone. A few minutes later he was at the holodeck entrance. "Computer, run Taylor ranch program, winter." An instant later the computer replied in its monotone. "You may enter when ready." As the doors slid open and Gary stepped inside, he was once again at his ranch in Wyoming.

Freshly fallen snow covered the ground and coated the trees. Painting the landscape in blanket of white. The scent of pine was in the air, it looked and smelled clean and pure. Untouched, unsoiled. Sighing, he made his way to the back yard and was soon at Catlin's grave under the big pine tree. He stood in front of it for the longest time before he spoke. "Merry Christmas Catlin. I just wrapped presents for Lia and little Lia, but I had to come see you. I could never forget you." His voice a hoarse whisper. "This is your favorite time of the year. You running around cooking, wrapping presents. Singing Christmas Carols." He knelt and reached a hand out and touched the cold granite stone. "What fun we had. We were so happy, so young. Our lives ahead of us. Now, those days are behind me. I have Lia and Little Lia a daughter. can you believe it? I have a family. I love them very, very much. They are my world just as you were Catlin." Tears filled his eyes, his chest hurt at the loss of Catlin and he lowered his head and blinked the tears away, when he raised his head, a startled gasp escaped his throat. Was that Catlin standing there? Smiling at him? Or a glitch in the program? She stood silently, shimmering in the snow, her smile radiant. "Catlin?" He managed to get out. A nod and gentle smile answered him. "Oh Catlin." He exclaimed as he took a step forward to embrace her, but she was gone in a flash of light. However, he heard her voice, "Merry Christmas Gary. I love you; I will always love you. Now get back to your family. They need you and love you. I'm always here for you."

He nodded, turned to leave but stopped. "I have a Christmas present for you Catlin. Your favorite Christmas song. "Computer, play Hard Candy Christmas by Dolly Parton." An instant later the first notes of the song filled the air. "Merry Christmas Catlin." Gary whispered as he stood, enjoying the song as bittersweet as it was, it was a testimony to the human spirit that no matter how bad things are or appear to be. People can reach deep inside themselves and bounce back. A wistful smile graced his features as snow fell on his face and cheeks, clung to his coat and in his hair. The dark days were behind him, and a bright future lay ahead.



Hey, maybe I'll dye my hair,
Maybe I'll move somewhere
Maybe I'll get a car
Maybe I'll drive so far they'll all lose track
Me, I'll bounce right back
Maybe I'll sleep real late
Maybe I'll lose some weight
Maybe I'll clear my junk
Maybe I'll just get drunk on apple wine
Me, I'll be just
Fine and dandy
Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still, I won't let sorrow bring me way down
I'll be fine and dandy
Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still, I won't let sorrow bring me way down
Hey, maybe I'll learn to sew
Maybe I'll just lie low
Maybe I'll hit the bars
Maybe I'll count the stars until dawn
Me, I will go on
Maybe I'll settle down
Maybe I'll just leave town
Maybe I'll have some fun
Maybe I'll meet someone and make him mine
Me, I'll be just
Fine and dandy
Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still, I won't let sorrow bring me way down
I'll be fine and dandy
Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still, I won't let sorrow bring me way down
I'll be fine and dandy
Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still, I won't let sorrow bring me way down
'Cause I'll be fine
I'll be fine
Oh, I'll be fine

 

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