An Adventure at the North Pole

Antara, you have been decorating the Christmas tree for hours! Aren't you tired?" Ma said after finishing up in the kitchen.

- Ruchi Gontiya

"Just ten more minutes, Ma!"

Ma walked over and tousled Antara's hair. "You are working as if Christmas is tomorrow. We still have two whole days to go. You can finish up in the morning."

"Ma, please, just a little longer."

"Alright, go ahead. I'm going to my room.

Remember to turn off the lights before you go to bed."

"Okay Ma, goodnight."

"Goodnight," Ma gave her a hug and headed to her room, and Antara went back to hanging decorations on the Christmas tree. After adding the last few small stars, the tree was finally ready. She turned on the switch, and the glittering lights wrapped around the tree lit up. Overjoyed, Antara stood there admiring her work, and her gaze drifted to the clock.

"It's midnight, and I didn't even realise! I should go to bed now."

While she cleaned up, Antara's eye caught some movement outside the window.

"Must be a stray cat," she thought and almost ignored it, when suddenly she spotted a sleigh flying towards her house.

She couldn't believe her eyes and rubbed them, but it was not her imagination.

She pulled the window's curtain further back and saw an elf dressed in green, stepping out of the sleigh and heading towards her door. Startled, Antara stood still behind the door. There was a knock on the door and a voice called: "Antara, Antara!"

"Who's there?" she asked in a low voice.

"I'm Santa's chief elf. He has sent me to get you," the voice said, slipping a letter from under the door.

"But why?" Antara asked, puzzled.

"The day after tomorrow is Christmas and there's a lot of work left to be done at the North Pole. We need eve, your help!"

"But how can I help? I'm only eight years old!" Antara replied.

"Helping hands need not be big or small.

If intentions are good, even little hands can do the most difficult of tasks," the replied encouragingly.

"But why did Santa choose me" asked Antara.