“God rest ye merry, gentlemen...... Let nothing you dismay...... Remember Christ, our saviour was born on Christmas day...... To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray...... Oh, tidings of comfort and joy...... Comfort and joy...... Oh tidings of comfort and joy......” the carol halted, we went silent as our teacher snapped her fingers.

I was peeking directly at Karry, who was still singing alone and carefree, not noticing kids who curiously darted their glimmering eyes to him.

“Hush, Karry, halt it. I know it’s beautiful.” the teacher gave Karry a serious look and he ceased, seeming to be startled.

“I’m sorry.” Karry apologized and lowered his head, some kids giggled at him.

The teacher turned to face us, “Well done, kids. I think you guys are ready to present it in front of all the kindergarten kids and their parents tomorrow in the big theater!”, she said, we all signed, feeling dull.

Actually, I didn’t even really understand what the lyrics wanted to tell, it was a bit weird for kindergarteners, I bet.

BTW, Karry couldn’t understand them either!

“Ah, come on! It’s almost Christmas! Aren’t ye guys excited about your gifts from Santa?” she said, breaking the boredom, the kids shook their head.

“Nah, I don’t believe in Santa, he is made up, unless someone is dressing like him.” I replied to the teacher, it reminded me of one Christmas Eve I was staying up till midnight to see if Santa was visiting our house.

“Gosh! How come you kiddos think Christmas is boring!” our teacher gasped.

“However, I’m not having any present this year, Mum said I’m gonna be a grown up.” Karry chirped in our conversation, our teacher seemed to be more shocked, I widened my eyes.

“DING-DING-DING!!!”, and that was the bell for the-end-of-this-class.

“Ok, guys, class is officially over, let’s get goin! See ye! And don’t forget to bring your lyrics unless you’re super confident.” our teacher shouted, since our class signed up for presenting the carol, kids suddenly rushed out like a bunch of crazy bees.

“Oh yeah, Karry, are you going to join the Christmas Party tomorrow?” I stopped him and asked him excitedly.

“Umm, maybe, just maybe, but mostly not, I bet... I have an important swimming competition in Tianjin......” he told me deeply.

My heart sank, and I walked away with a sad smile hanging on my gloomy face.

I had a feeling that Karry wouldn’t be able to come and he was just trying to make me feel better.

*

       It happened as I thought, out of any hope or possibilities...

Bright stage lights hitting directly on our face, I squinted and looked around, no sight of Karry...

I swallowed, the second time feeling really nervous without him. ‘Maybe he thought his big, big swimming competition was more important than me!’, I thought.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to our Christmas Show!!!” the host yelled and clapped, the entire audience was cheering excitedly.

“Tonight, which is Christmas, our dearest, cutest kindergartners are going to perform their prepared carols, dances, and dramas!” the host howling like a madman, more clapping and stomping echoed in the theater.

I peeked through the dark curtain, bright stage lights pinning my eyes, I saw my both parents waving at me.

“Now, everyone! Let’s listen to our cutest kidos chanting the “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”!” the host smiled and went down the stairs, the audiences becoming happy freaks.

Right then, bright stage lights hit directly on my face, I squinted and looked around, no sign of Karry...

I swallowed, suddenly feeling really nervous without him. ‘Maybe he thought his big, big swimming competition was more important than me!’, I thought, shaking my head, trying to hide my tears.

When I finally opened my eyes, the rest of the kids were already singing, so I joined in, but I suddenly realized I forgot the lyrics!

“God rest ye merry......uhm...hmmhmmhmm. Remember our saviour? ...was born on...whatwhat...day......TO save us all from...

blabla’s...power...” I stopped, a few kids frowning at me, some even giggling, I felt embarrassed, even more humiliated in front of cameras and people.

       I waited till the carol stopped, we bowed then left......

       That was my worst singing moment ever!

*

       After the show, all the kids went into the giant party room, eating cane shape candies and running around, knocking off Christmas trees. 

I just sat there, on an empty couch, reading the picture book version of “Hamlet”. I signed every time I peeked at the happy kids, jealous because they still had friends to play with.

       “Hey, Daisy, are you ok?” a sub walked up to me and asked nervously, “Aren’t you going to play with them?”

       “Nah, I prefer to stay by myself.” I answered absently, the sub seemed to know my true feeling.

       “I bet you missed Karry, right? Let’s call him.” the nice sub took out her iPhone and called him, my eyes suddenly glittering with hope, I dropped the heavy picture book and my eyes darted onto the screen.

       “Hi! OMG, DAISY?! I missed you so much! Guess what? I won the first place!!! I’m on the train now!” Karry’s voice echoing, I freaked out and screamed.

       “Wow, congratulations, très-bien, Karry! I thought you were coming back after winter break...Good to see you!” I whispered, trying to hide my happiness.

       “I remember the party ends at 11:00pm, and now is 8:37, but I think I can’t come and see you today......” Karry sounded deeply and sad, “My Mum’s phone is almost out of battery! Bye! Au revoir, Daisy!” then he hung up.

       “Bye.” I tried to give a smile to the sub, and I went out.

       I saw a line of kids waiting for presents given by teachers, so I joined in.

       “Hi sweetie, what gift do you want?” another asked me kindly.

       “Can I have a greeting card and two stuffed animals? Because I’m keeping one for my friend.” I whispered to her, to make sure no one else could hear it.

       The sub nodded nicely, I received a stuffed snake for myself and a stuffed squirrel for Karry; I also wrote a long message on the greeting card and left it on his desk.

Well, this was the last Christmas I had with him, I missed Karry.

       Pause right here, reader, actually I just wanna share with you a true, short, but heartwarming friendship between Karry and I.

       Do you have best friend(s)? If yes, are you willing to tell me a bit about him/her/them?