Chapter 71

Suddenly Mitchell felt very emotional. The prior Christmas he had been alone in Germany as the Army searched for his relatives because he was 17 and recently orphaned. He remembered Christmases with his mother and father and other family members. Once again, he felt like he was part of a real family. Unable to speak, Mitchell mumbled something and hurried from the room as his eyes began to water.

Christine watched in shock as Mitchell quickly left the room with no acknowledgement of her gift. Stunned, she turned to her mother with a question in her eyes.

"Go to him, Christine. I think he's overcome with emotion. He's been alone a lot and being with a loving family at Christmas may have dredged up some memories," suggested Melissa.

Christine found him on the back deck. He was staring out over the yard but didn't appear to be looking at anything. She walked up beside Mitchell, wrapped her arm around his waist, and laid her head against his shoulder. She waited as Mitchell wiped his e