A Child Under the Christmas Tree

- Whose child is this? — Misha pronounces it firmly; then the voices of kids can be heard.
— So, who of you lost a child? You’ve made a nursery out here, and you’re not keeping an eye on anything! Whose is it?

Olya comes out to the noise and yelling. She approaches and peers over Misha’s shoulder.

— Ah! — she blurts out in shock, and then a baby’s squeal follows.

The kids step aside, revealing an incredible picture. On the doorstep there’s a basket, and inside—wrapped in blankets—a baby cries.

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To ordinary people, Father Frost brings gifts. And to convinced childfree people—he tossed a child…

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Bonus New Year story. The events take place after the book “A Baby for a Deputy. Choice of the Heart.”