Christmas Gathering

Urged on by the familiar hollow clanging Adelaide crawled through the vent. Today wasn't just any day. Today was Christmas, and she had a gift for Mr. Bubbles.

In the damp darkness Mr. Bubbles waited expectantly, a trickle of water spilling over his head from a ruptured pipe. His luminous green gaze shone like a beacon. But something was different this time. In his free hand he held a small box which he set on the ground as he helped Adelaide out of the pipe.

Adelaide gave a little hop as she touched the ground. "Thanks, Mr. B!"

The lumbering form moaned and clutched the small box he had set aside, gently pushing it into Adelaide's outstretched hands.

"What is it, Mr Bubbles? A Christmas gift?"

Adelaide produced the contents of the box, hugging it to her chest. The shambling figure merely shrugged his shoulders and wailed, his cry echoing through the musty corridor. Several shadowy figures scurried away at the sound, cursing and tittering as they went.

"Oh wow, a new teddy bear!" Adelaide hugged the giant's leg. "Thank you so much."

"But don't think I've forgotten about you." Adelaide added, producing a small bracelet. "Merry Christmas, Mr. B."

Adelaide affixed the small beaded bracelet to his wrist. When she finished he simply patted Adelaide on the head and moaned, flexing his arm. The small bells jingled with each movement taken.

Adelaide giggled and pulled the metallic figures hand. "Time to gather, huh Mr. B? Good girls gather, even on Christmas!"