Joseph Christmas Guess {Part 2}

Joseph resumed his post behind the counter. It was way past lunch time and still there was no sign of his Guest. Maybe it was was just a silly dream, he thought. Suddenly, one of the young men who bought worms that morning burst into the shop. "Uncle, we need your help. My friend had a hook accidentally caught in his hand . We need a stainless steel blade and pliers to take the hook out," the youth blurted before going off to help his friend bring the injured guy into the shop.

Joseph got busy. He had done this before. He heated the blade with a lighter, cut into the man's skin and pulled out the hook with a pair of pliers. When he sterilised the wound, he noticed that his patient was pale with shock. "How about some ice lemonade for your thirst?" he offered the trio. With their ordeal over, the three friends relaxed and chatted with Joseph about the accident. When they left, it was almost five o'clock.

Joseph was getting ready to close the shop for the day when a young boy walked in with a fishing rod slung over his shoulder. "what can I do for you, son?"

"Nothing, I jist wanted to ask if I tied this line the right way," the boy said.

Joseph took a look at the rig and retied the hooks.
"There you are. You're all set to go fishing," said Joseph. "By the way, who are you going with, son?"

"My Dad, but he was too drunk to go now, so I'm going by myself," the boy replied.

"Wait a minute. I'm coming with you," said Joseph. he collected his rod and tackle box, closed his shop, and walked to the pier with the boy. The tide was rising, the sun was setting, and the old man had fun time fishing with the little guy. When he walked the boy back to his rented chalet by the sea, Joseph thought about the day and decided that this was the most delightful fishing trip he had had in a long while. it was just as well that his Guest had not showed up. He had an eventful and meaningful Christmas.

When he went to bed that night, the Vision revisited Joseph. It smiled and said: "Thank you for spreading the spirit of Christmas, Joe. You were up to the challenge."

"But you did not show up," Joseph protested. "I waited the whole day for you."
"Indeed, I had. How else could your food and drink be consumed so deservingly, and your time be so well spent? The christmas is not to be experienced just for a day, it is to last a lifetime."

Thoughout Boxing Day, Joseph wondered: Was that day extraordinary because it was Christmas or was it because he was expecting someone?