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Evan Vandermeer

The Unexpected Surprise

Not since childhood had I schemed to receive a particular Christmas present, and it felt odd doing so as an adult. But I had to have it.

There it was, on my friend’s kitchen table: his own copy of the newly released edition of my favorite book, packed with the author’s original illustrations. Thicker than a brick, it seemed to be held up not by the table, but by the halo of late-summer sunlight streaming through the window and into the room.

The plan was simple: when the holidays approached, he’d tell my wife, confidentially, that I’d spent over an hour poring over the book, feeling its pages, and that I’d made longing comments about wanting it for Christmas. He’d even say I called it precious.

One year later, I know now that I should have just bought the thing.

still
hanging on—
last year’s wreath

About the Author

Evan Vandermeer

Evan Vandermeer lives in South Bend, Indiana, where he completed his MA in English at Indiana University South Bend. His poems have appeared or are forthcoming in Twyckenham NotesEunoia ReviewJersey Devil PressGrand Little ThingsMacQueen’s Quinterly, and elsewhere. His haiku and haibun have appeared or are forthcoming in FrogpondModern HaikuPresencecontemporary haibun online, and elsewhere.

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