11/24/2025
Snow tapped softly on the windows of the lab—tiny frozen drumbeats announcing that Christmas Eve had finally arrived. Inside, the little tree on the counter shimmered in warm gold light, and the smell of cinnamon rolls drifted from the break room. But something (or someone) was missing.
Larry the PTA Elf—famous volunteer, professional list-checker, part-time mischief maker—had mysteriously vanished.
At least…that’s what everyone but Dr. Reedy thought.
She hummed while fluffing the couch pillows in the lounge a little too neatly. “Nope, haven’t seen him!” she said, a touch quicker than usual. Her eyes sparkled, though she tried to look casual—almost as if she were hiding a snow-shaped secret.
The search began.
Prof. K peeked behind the wreath taped to the supply closet door.
Dr. Murray checked the cookie jar in the break room (twice, just in case).
Dr. Musti even inspected the top of the bookshelf full of dusty textbooks, claiming Larry “always liked the view.”
But Dr. Reedy simply strolled through the lounge, smoothing the blanket on the couch as she passed. “Hmm,” she murmured, pressing down a small, suspicious lump under the covers—one that gave an almost elf-sized wiggle when no one was looking.
“Strange,” Dr. Murray said, scanning the room again. “You’d think he’d hide somewhere festive.”
Dr. Reedy shrugged dramatically. “Maybe he’s, y’know…resting.” Her hand hovered protectively near the cozy, slightly uneven blanket on the sofa.
A tiny giggle—so soft it could’ve been the heater clicking on—whispered through the room. Dr. Musti narrowed her eyes. “What was that?”
Dr. Reedy yawned loudly, drowning out the sound. “Probably the cushions settling!”
The group gave up searching, deciding Larry would surely turn up before Christmas morning. They wandered off to finish wrapping presents, but Dr. Reedy lingered behind.
She lifted the very edge of the blanket—just enough for a pair of twinkling eyes to peek out.
“Shh,” she whispered. “They’ll find you during story time tonight, and it’ll be perfect.”
Larry winked, his felt cap squished but his grin wide as ever.
