ONE DAY

Munavvara USMONOVA

ONE DAY

We were studying in the first grade then. There was a New Year celebration at the school. For the first time in our lives, we were very happy to participate in a big celebration. But we were all saddened to hear the news from the host of the event: «Because the weather is hot, Santa Claus has melted coming from the forest.» I was heartbroken to think that the generous grandfather, who was carrying gifts in a heavy sack during school holidays, had melted from the heat of the day. Next year, as the new year approaches, all children’s eyes are on the sky. When the sun rises again and the days get warmer, we whisper prayers for fear of losing Santa. One day during the lesson, Khairikhan, a pamper girl in our class, burst into tears. To the teacher who asked the reason: «Tomorrow is a holiday, it has not snowed.» Our Santa will melt again,» he said. A couple of us accompanied him. Our teacher, who was smiling at first, patted our heads and comforted us. This time he will come even if it’s hot, don’t cry, he will bring gifts for all the children. Let’s call Santa who doesn’t melt, let everyone come dressed nicely. We will dance together with Santa,» he said. The exciting day we have been waiting for has arrived. Children of our age were looking around and waiting for someone... Then Santa, with a beard falling on his chest and a shiny coat that suited him, entered our circle. We danced happily. Gifts shared. It was a holiday that we will remember the most. After the vacation, we returned to school. Everyone was talking a lot about the celebration in their house, guests, gifts. I went to Gulsara, our teacher’s daughter, who was sitting silently at one end. «Why aren’t you talking, what are you upset about?» I said. With tears in her eyes, she said: «Dad bought a gift for the money he was saving for the holiday...» Then the face of Santa, like our teacher, came to my eyes... May the end of our kind teacher Tojirali Dadajonov be prosperous!

Translator - Madinabonu Makhammadrizoyeva