"Well, hello there, Corey," a jolly voice cried out, causing Corey to look up and meet two sparkling blue eyes.?"How are you this fine day, my boy?"
"Sir, it's nice to see you," Corey replied, offering his hand, unsure as to whether or not St. Nicholas had heard his mutterings. "I'm doing well, thank you. And yourself?"
"Couldn't be better," he chuckled as he released Corey's hand, thin and small in comparison to his own. "I'm very excited to hear that you were able to procure a replacement for the recently deceased Mrs. Meriwether. She served me well for over two hundred years, God rest her sweet soul."
"Yes, sir, we were all very sad to see her go," Corey replied, a distraught look plastered on his face, his voice ringing with lamentation.
St. Nicholas shook his head slowly from side
