Chapter Eighteen: Berlin:

Now we go back to the mainland of Europe. This time, we are heading to Germany. Kathryn is spending Christmas with her nephew and sister this year. This is day two of her break. Let’s see how she is doing.

Kathryn took a look around her surroundings. When was the last time she did a Christmas Market trip? She started to count up in her head. Gosh. Was she nine? Or was it ten? It had been so long. The girl rubbed her forehead.

“Are you okay?” a boy’s voice asked. Kathryn looked down beside her. Daniel looked up at her. His aunt forced herself to smile.

“Sure!” she said. “I just feel so old.” Daniel tilted his head.

“You’re not old,” he said.

“Aw, you’re so sweet,” Kathy said. She patted him on the head. It felt great to be back in Germany. She could see her sister and nephew again.

“Oh there you are,” aunt and nephew heard someone say. They looked up to see a woman with long dark hair walking over to them. She carried full bags by her sides.

“Why did you guys run off like that?” she asked. Kathryn pushed her bangs from her eyes.

“Sorry about that,” she said. “Danny here got ahead of himself.” Kathryn patted the boy on the head. Daniel looked up at her and frowned.

“Hey!” he shouted. Kathryn ignored him. She looked at the bags that the woman had in her arms.

“What do you have there, April?” she asked. The older woman looked around at the bags.

“Presents,” she said. “For family, friends, and coworkers.” Kathryn whistled.

“Wow,” was all that she could say. April tilted her head.

“What about you?” she asked. “Have you started Christmas shopping?” The younger sister frowned.

“No,” she said with a sigh. April frowned.

“Kathy,” she said. Kathryn put up her hands.

“Okay, okay,” she said. “I know, I know.”

“Do you need me to help you?” her sister asked. Kathryn rolled her eyes.

“No,” she said. “I can get the gifts myself.” The girl frowned as she looked at her sister’s face.

“Really, I am sure,” she said. “Thank you for offering.” April folded her arms across her chest.

“I’m hungry. Can we get lunch?” Daniel asked as if he could sense the tension between us. April frowned.

“Baby, it’s only ten,” she said.

“Oh come on,” Kathryn said. “Just let him have one little treat. It’s about to be Christmas after all.” Daniel looked up at his mother with a doe-eyed look. April sighed and rolled her eyes.

“Fine,” she muttered. “But I will get you something small. I won’t spoil your lunch.”

“Yay!” Daniel cheered, pumping his small fists in the arm. April rolled her eyes as Kathryn grinned at her. This was going to be a long shopping trip, wasn’t it?