Chapter Text
Booker looked at his little brother who had the look on his face that said he was thinking about something.
"Nicky?" Booker asked. "Do you mind taking four oranges? They're in front of you."
"Sure," Nicky replied. "Was it four?"
"Yes," Booker replied. "I'll be back in a moment. Just getting the hummus you like."
Nicky nodded and started to put four oranges in a bag. He loved the smell of oranges. It was a sure sign that Christmas was near. And when Christmas was getting nearer, he knew he should tell Booker, what he wished for Christmas but he didn't know how to ask because it was a strange wish.
"Ok, I think we got the most," Booker said. "Do you need anything?"
"Could I have a fish cake with fries tonight?" Nicky wanted to know.
"Yes, you can," Booker replied. "One or two fish cakes?"
"Two is fine," Nicky replied. "What will you be eating?"
"Anything else than fish cakes," Booker replied. "Maybe a sausage with the fries."
Nicky just nodded. It was clear to Booker that Nicky once again was thinking. After paying for the groceries, Booker packed them into their backpacks, and they walked home.
"You know, Nicky, one day I got to rent a truck with all the food you're eating," Booker said. It was there he discovered Nicky was gone. Booker found Nicky around the corner where he had stopped to listen to some carol singers.
"Sorry that I stopped," Nicky said. "I just wanted to hear the song they're singing."
The carol singers were singing "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer". It was there Booker thought he got an idea of what it was Nicky was thinking about. When they got home and sat down to eat dinner, Nicky only pocked to his dinner.
"Wanna share what's on your mind?" Booker asked.
"It's stupid," Nicky replied. "I better forget it."
Nicky ate one of the fries. When Nicky reached for his glass of milk, Booker placed a hand over Nicky's.
"Tell me," Booker said. "Has it anything to do with the song you wanted to hear today? Do you want to know what Santa looks like?"
"I know that. Big, red, and with a beard," Nicky replied. "Is just that Elsie in my class said that she once saw a reindeer. And I really want to see a reindeer too. That's what I want for Christmas. But it can't be done given we live in London and not Finland."
During the year with Nicky, Booker had seen more animals than ever before. The zoo was kind enough to let Nicky have a look with his hands at the different animals, but when Nicky wanted to see a live tiger, Booker had drawn a line. Instead, Booker called the natural history museum and after some explaining, they also had been kind enough to let Nicky have a look at a stuffed tiger. Both the zoo and the natural history museum told Booker he could just call them if there was anything they could help him with. But a reindeer would be more difficult.
"How does a reindeer even look like?" Nicky wanted to know.
"It's grey and has a white collar around its neck," Booker replied. "It's the size of a cow, I think."
"Thanks for explaining it to me," Nicky said. "Can I leave the table?"
"After you have eaten the rest of your fish cake," Booker replied. "Should we watch a movie?"
"Not in the mood," Nicky replied. "Hope it's ok."
"Don't worry about it," Booker replied. "We can watch a movie another day."
After getting Nicky to bed, Booker started to search for a live reindeer, so Nicky could see one with his hands.