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course not.  I know you are a dedicated professional, Wilson.  I can’t say I’m surprised she hasn’t shared this.  After all, she was in Africa for the past several years, ever since it happened.  Ch ristmas was tough enough there, but this is the first time she’ll be facing it here in this country, with all the American traditions and trappings.  Bound to be some snags.  Not that I can blame her.”
    Ben’s pulse quickened.  Could anything make the man get to the point?  “What happened, Mr. Highfield?”
    Christmas Eve, several years back.  Daisy’s father was a minister in their California church, and her mom the Music Director.  Daisy was almost finished college.  They were heading to the church for the Christmas Pageant when the accident occurred.  A loaded 18 wheeler plowed right into them. It was an awful tragedy, and all over the news.  It was actually how I got to know Daisy Donovan.  I’m in shipping myself. My corporation has fleets of trucks nationwide, and we live in fear of such accidents.  It wasn’t one of my trucks, but I felt the pain of it, and I followed the news, because it struck a nerve.”
    “Was she injured?  She seems fine today,” said Ben.
    “Miraculously, other than being banged around, she escaped unharmed.  At least physically. But her parents were both instantly killed, as was the driver of the truck.  Very sad affair.  Emotionally, she took it really hard.”
    “That’s awful”.  Ben’s heart was filled with compassion and concern.  No wonder the idea of a Christm as pageant had sent her over the edge.
    “But if you say she’s doing well, perhaps she’s finally healing from that pain.” Hugh Highfield said, his voice sounding thoughtful.
    “Well, maybe not,” admitted Ben quietly.  “We’ve only just begun talking about Christmas here. It’s clear it’s not her favorite topic.  Though some people are just not religious, and have a different point of view.”
    “Oh no,” broke in the older man.  “This young woman was evidently Christmas personified, totally filled with the spirit in the past, from what I hear.  She’s a giving, loving young woman, and I hope one day things get into perspective.”
    Ben’s mouth tightened, and he felt incredibly sad.  “Well, I’ll hope for that too, Mr. Highfield.  I appreciated knowing the history.  In a very short time, she’s become a vital part of New Horizons.  As have you,” he added.  “Your support and contributions mean a lot to a lot of students here.”
    “Makes me happy to hear that, young man.  It was one of my daughters who made me see how important it was to support good causes that help young people, like New Horizons, and like the missionary organizations that sponsored Daisy in her teaching in Africa.”
    “It sounds like she loved Africa, loved the school.”
    “She was amazing.  But it was time to come home, and when I heard she was coming stateside, and didn’t have a plan of what to do next, I thought of you. There’s no way she would go back to California. Didn’t want the memories.  She’s a very special young woman, and it eases my mind that this is working out.  You let me know if I can help in any way, both in regards to Daisy, or for your school in general.  And one day, I’m hoping I’ll get a chance to see you in action.”
    “That would be terrific, Mr. Highfield.  An honor.  And thanks for your concern.”
    Ben sat staring at the wall for several minutes after the phone call.  A Christmas tragedy.  What could he do to help her?  One way or another, they could and would do the pageant without her help.  He could protect her from responsibility for the show, but not from exposure. You couldn’t avoid it, in a place this small.  Even if he cancelled the pageant, he sure couldn’t cancel Christmas!
    Lunch was over, the kids had retu rned to their classrooms.  And echoing through the building, the voices of the primary class could be heard