The snow fell in heavy, silent clumps as the massive locomotive hissed to a halt on a quiet suburban street. The boy, standing in his pajamas on the frozen lawn, stared up at the impossible sight: the , its iron skin glistening under the moonlight.

He slumped into his seat, the joy of the journey fading. He had seen the elves, the toy workshops, and the reindeer, but without the bell, it all felt like a dream he was already forgetting.

On Christmas morning, his sister Sarah found one small box left behind the tree. Inside was the silver bell, with a note: Found this on the seat of my sleigh. Fix that hole in your pocket.