Mr Kalisa sits on the sofa, his attention on his phone, while the room is filled with the gentle hum of a family home. Suddenly, little feet patter across the floor and a small girl appears, eyes sparkling with excitement. She clambers onto the sofa beside him.
Nyla looks up eagerly at her father.
"Daddy, Daddy!"
"Yes, my girl?"
"Where are you taking us this Christmas?"
"Where do you want to go, my girl?"
"I want to see Christmas decorations again! I really loved them that time when we saw them on our way to visit Aunt Nora."
"My daughter, if you want to see them, I will take you. We will make a tour around the city so you can see each of them."
"Please, Daddy, take us there! It will make me so happy, even take a picture of me with Père Noël."
"I will take you there, my girl."
Nyla hugs her father tightly, her face beaming with joy.
Mr Kalisa drives slowly, pointing out bright lights and shining stars hung between the lampposts. Nyla sits in the back, her nose pressed against the glass, eyes wide with wonder.
"Daddy, see that!" she exclaims as they pass a glowing reindeer.
"Yes, it’s beautiful, isn’t it?"
Every time they pass a new decoration, Nyla calls out with excitement. "Daddy, see that big star! And those shiny bells! Look at the candy canes!" Her laughter fills the car as Mr Kalisa smiles, happy to see his daughter so delighted.
Nyla runs to stand in line, bouncing on her toes. When it’s her turn, she grins from ear to ear as Mr Kalisa snaps a photo of her with Père Noël. The moment is magical, and the picture captures her bright eyes and wide smile.
"Thank you, Daddy. I love you so much."
"I love you too, my girl. Merry Christmas."
As she drifts off to sleep, Nyla dreams of all the beautiful decorations she saw, and the love she feels in her heart.















