Christmas Building 2024 – Apartment 22 – Zimba Zombie
“Zimba,” said Grandmother, her voice weak and worried. “I’m not feeling good at all today. I really need you to pick up a prescription for me.”
Zimba Zombie’s stomach clenched in fear, his undead heart sinking with anxiety. The only time he had ventured to the mall was at Halloween, when his zombie appearance blended in with the costumes. But now, with Christmas shoppers bustling about, he dreaded the thought of facing the crowds.
“They can’t deliver your prescription?” asked Zimba, sweating profusely as he imagined the horrified faces of the mall-goers.
“No, they can’t because it’s Christmas,” said Grandma, her eyes pleading with him. “They’re just too busy. You know I would never ask if I didn’t need it.”
Zimba knew he couldn’t say no to her. After all, she had taken him in and raised him when his own parents had abandoned him in fear. They had been terrified that his baby sister would become zombified by his presence. Zimba’s loyalty to Grandma knew no bounds, and he would do anything to help her.
Taking a deep breath, Zimba donned his green knit hat and checkered jacket, steeling himself for the daunting task ahead. As he entered the mall, he was nearly overwhelmed by the sea of festive shoppers rushing to and fro. But he pressed on, his confidence growing with every step. To his surprise, no one gave him a second glance, too caught up in their own holiday hustle and bustle.
Zimba arrived at the drugstore. The cashier had his grandmother’s prescription ready for him. His mission was accomplished in record time. Back home, as he handed Grandma her prescription, she smiled weakly, relief etched on her face.
“That was quick,” she said, taking her pills.
“I was so nervous about going to the mall at Christmas,” said Zimba, still marveling at the unexpected ease of his task. “I didn’t need to be, though. Everyone was so busy that not one person looked at me or called me names.”
Grandma’s eyes sparkled with warmth as she reached out to take Zimba’s hand.
“That’s the Christmas spirit working,” she said, her voice filled with love. “Merry Christmas, Zimba!”
As they shared a tender moment, Zimba felt a sense of belonging he had never known before. Maybe, just maybe, this Christmas would be different, and he would finally find acceptance in a world that often shunned him.
Just then, an email notification popped up on Zimba’s phone. He hesitated for a moment before opening it, and his eyes widened in surprise.
“Grandma, look!” he exclaimed, holding up his phone. “I’ve been invited to the Christmas Building!”
Grandma’s face lit up with a warm smile. “That’s wonderful, Zimba! You deserve it.”
A luxurious limousine arrived at their doorstep, and Zimba felt like royalty as he stepped inside. The limo whisked him away to the Christmas Building, a majestic structure that twinkled like a star in the night sky. As he entered the building, Zimba gasped in wonder at the magical atmosphere. Lost Christmas Tree welcomed him with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with mirth.
“Welcome, Zimba,” he said. “We’re so glad you could join us. We hope you have a wonderful time here. There’s lots of food, music, and dancing.”
Zimba’s eyes widened with excitement as he took in the sights and sounds.
“Thank you,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude. “Why was I chosen to come here?”
Lost Christmas Tree’s smile grew wider, his eyes shining with warmth. “You were chosen because of your kindness and devotion to your grandma,” he said. “Even though you were fearful, you overcame your fear and did what you needed to do for her. That’s the true spirit of Christmas.”
Zimba’s face lit up with pride, and he felt a sense of joy he had never felt before. He received a special award for his kindness, and as he accepted it, he felt like he was on top of the world. The rest of the day was a whirlwind of fun and celebration, with Zimba laughing and dancing with his new friends.
As the night came to a close, Zimba thanked Lost Christmas Tree and the Christmas Building for the most wonderful Christmas he had ever had. He left with a heart full of joy and a spirit renewed, knowing that he was appreciated and loved for who he was. And as he settled back into his routine, Zimba knew that this Christmas would be a memory he would treasure forever.
Moral of this Story:
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