They say that to understand something, you either experience it yourself or give that experience to someone. To understand Himeko’s belief in Santa, I decided—

This Christmas, I will be her Santa.

I called her parents to ask for this favor, and they agreed.

Both Sachi and Ayu questioned my sanity at first. But then it’s like, hey, if you’re going to dress up, we want to see it.

December twenty-fifth arrived. Sachi and Ayu went to the sleepover with Himeko as planned, but I excused myself. That night, I arrived at Himeko’s house, where her parents secretly let me in.

I had to admit, Himeko’s parents’ skill was something.

Aside from the wig and fake beard, I had to stuff my nostrils and mouth with cotton to make my nose and cheeks look bigger. They even drilled me on how to speak with my mouth full of stuffing, slowly, like an old man. By the time I looked in the mirror, I almost fell back, seeing a Santa Claus in my reflection.

Himeko was still awake when I came into the living room, where futons were set up for the sleepover. Ayu and Sachi were there, too.

“For you, dear,” I said, handing Himeko her present. “You’ve been very good this year, and I know it. Not only did you get top marks at school, but you’re also always helpful to your classmates and teachers. You even helped tutor your friends for the last midterm—”

Sachi had to cover Ayu’s mouth to stop her from laughing.

“And here’s what your friends want you to know,” I added, patting Himeko’s head. “You are precious to us. So, Merry Christmas. We wish you a life of happiness always.”