This is our way of celebrating Christmas (S1 Ep.14-10)

I looked at him, embarrassed. He smiled at me and, asking for excuse to the presents with the formality which is characteristic, pulled the chair to sit on.

I was nervous, the paper I had smashed reflected my dislike of his absence, however, the happiness I felt at this time made me forget it.

All through dinner he was the centre of attention. Charlie challenged him with questions of history and suddenly that was the discussion of the night. Everyone was delighted hearing his descriptions of the events. The certainty with which he spoke, the confidence that transmitted, was admirable. Even my 8-year-old nephew, Renato, was delighted with him. While Mikhael spoke about his knowledge did to him these images on paper to play with.

At the end of dinner, Renato rose in a rush and went straight to Mikhael, held his hand in an attempt to drag him into the living room.

Renato: Come on! Come see the gifts…

Celya: Renato, don’t do that!

Renato: I'm sorry. - Mikhael smiled at him without a reprimand or contradicting the authority of my sister.

Guided by Renato we left, then, the garage to get together in the living room. It's almost midnight and for his joy, for the adults too, the exchange of gifts is approaching.

(Third-Quarter) Wednesday, December 25

Wandered by the division and while some served themselves with digestives drinks, others exchanged their banal conversations as they opened their gifts. Renato was delighted with his toys before I knew it I was already involved in the playing.

Sitting on the floor carpet, I admired him with Charlie and Richard, among laughter and confessions served their cups. His presence made me smile inside. I longed for a few moments with him. His fate was too cruel, but I'd do anything in my power to give him a sense of normality, of warmth, of family.

I was gone for a while, when I came back to the living room I didn't see him. I looked around searching for him. The door which gives access to the garden was open, we had mounted a cover to extend the space and to protect us from the cold. And there he was. Appreciating him along the balcony, under the glow of Christmas lights made me think about him as a part of this family. But I knew that was not possible, sooner or later he would have to leave, start his life in another space, where no one recognized him. Would have to be preserved, leaving his truth hidden. He looked at me like he just read my thoughts, I felt my cheeks blush. His saddened gaze said I had hit on the issue. Seemed to want to tell me something and before I follow into his direction my mother approached him.

D. Marya: It's a wonderful night, isn't it?

Seth: Yes! It's very nice here.

D. Marya: She is a great girl. She’s smart, courageous, generous, full of life. Was born with a great purpose and as was I... Protect her and prepare her.

Seth: I…

D. Marya: Don't you know me, I know. But I know your story, Mikhael and I won't let anything hurt her.

Seth: I would never hurt her.

D. Marya: She's safe around you, keep it that way. - Smiled, turning left Mikhael.

Once more his look crossed with mine. He seemed confused and I was curious to know what my mother had told to leave him with that expression. I then went to the balcony.

Rose: It's everything okay?

Seth: Yes! I was admiring your work, notorious.

Rose: This is who we are and this is our Christmas, among family and friends. It's not a magical kingdom as the gardens of Mrs Beatrice, but I really like the magic that a simple decoration can offer.

Seth: Rose... I wanted to... - put his right hand on the inside of the coat, but before he could even finish his sentence, or do what he was about to, Charlie interrupted.

Charlie: Hey, Rose, professor, vamos às cantigas? – Bem eu queria dar-lhe um natal mais humano, mais caloroso, agora “passear pela noite dentro cantando” parecia uma boa opção.

Rose: Do you want to go?

Seth: Yes.

Charlie: Come on, come on. The boys are coming.

Rose: Do you need help, Charlie?

Charlie: I don’t. You can go to Richard, he is at the entrance.

While Charlie went to get the songs brochures we followed to the front porch.

Richard: Hum… Have you noticed where you are? - With a modest smile, he pointed up. We look at the same time… Above us was the mistletoe.