A FAMILY CHRISTMAS TERROR
“That was rough!” Nick said.
“How awful for that family,” Judy said, holding the book to her chest.
“Yeah, sorry, Mom,” Jack said. “You being a mom and all.”
Judy said. “As horrible as the story was, it’s only a story. Worse things happen every day in the news.”
Jack jumped in, “But remember: basis in fact. All legends come from somewhere.”
“In ye olde Europe,” Grandpa said in his best old Irish lilt, “many of the Christmas stories are not happy. They believed in fear to help make their children behave. You should use your Google or one of those other fancy computer thingies, or maybe a library and research these old legends.”
“Really, Grandpa?” Nick said.
“Yes, those legends—”
Nick cut off the old man. “No, Grandpa... I meant, you really know what Google is?”
“Of course I do.” Grandpa held out his hand to Judy. “Give me that damn book; I’ll read the next one.”
He took the book. “Hmm...” rubbing his unshaven chin. “Now this one might be even rougher than that last one. Carol of the Refugees...”