The Christmas Box

Richard, seeking answers, takes the first letter from the Christmas Box across the street to Mary’s neighbor, Steve. Steve tells Richard that he will clarify what Richard is asking about on Christmas Eve, when he goes to Mary’s.

Later, at work, a customer comes to Richard’s store wanting to buy a suit for a five-year-old child. Richard recommends that he rent it, as children grow so quickly. The man clarifies that he will be burying the child in the suit.

The next day, Mary fails to appear for her brunch. Keri goes to her; she is still in bed, unresponsive. Keri calls an ambulance.

That night, Richard has his recurring dream and wakes to hear the music again. He returns to the Christmas Box and reads another letter. Again, it documents Mary missing her “Beloved One” over the Christmas season.

The next day is Christmas Eve. Steve takes Richard to the cemetery behind his house. Mary’s three-year-old daughter is buried there. Steve recalls being a child and seeing a keening, devastated woman scratching at the snowy ground in front of a grave with a stone angel—it was Mary.

Richard goes back to the attic and reads the last letter, which is addressed to “My Beloved One” and signed off as “Mother” (75-76).