The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

decorated even before Norm arrived with a tall noble fir. Norm went to find some patients to help trim the tree, and after less than two hours, it was all done and Miranda was taking photos.
    â€œThis looks really good,” Cory said as he folded the six-foot stepladder closed. “Want me to take this back out to your RV?”
    â€œThanks.” Miranda placed one of the cookie plates on the coffee table for the ones who’d helped to decorate. The other two cookie plates would go with the box of other party things that she planned to leave with Roxy. Fortunately, Roxy had really gotten on board with everything and had even promised to get the rest of the stuff set up in time for the party on Christmas Eve.
    â€œThe place looks fabulous,” Roxy told Miranda. “Nina will be seriously ticked when she comes out of that meeting.”
    Miranda made a half smile. “Sorry to miss that.”
    â€œI’m not going to miss it,” Roxy assured her. “And I like watching Nina get mad. Mostly because she’s always preaching to others about not letting stuff get to you. But when she’s ticked, her face gets all red and puffy and it looks like she could blow steam out of her ears. Doesn’t really seem healthy to me.”
    â€œProbably not.” Miranda smiled at Roxy. “Thanks for your help. I’m going to get Joy now. She’ll want to see and approve everything before we go.”
    â€œShe has to approve the Christmas decorations?”
    â€œWell, after all, she is Christmas Joy . And this is really her deal. I’m just her helper. You know the hierarchy—she’s Santa and I’m the elf.” Miranda laughed.
    â€œSounds like a fun job.” Roxy moved the small lighted Christmas tree that Miranda had placed on the corner of the reception counter into a more prominent position. “This baby tree is so cute!”
    Miranda felt a deep sense of satisfaction as she went out to the RV. She couldn’t wait for Joy to see what she’d done—and in a relatively short amount of time too! Joy was still on the sofa with her eyes closed. But something about this peaceful scene felt wrong. On closer examination, Miranda noticed that Joy’s fists were clenched and her expression was strained, as if she were grimacing in pain.
    â€œJoy ?” Miranda said softly, gently nudging her shoulder. “Are you okay?”
    Joy’s eyes opened wide and her lips quivered. “Pain.” She croaked out the word, touching her chest. “Heart.”
    â€œOh no!” Miranda stood, looking for her phone, but remembered it was in her purse, which was still stashed behind the reception desk. “Baby aspirin!” she cried out as she raced to the tiny bathroom’s medicine cabinet. She’d spotted the small bottle on their first day out. Rushing back, she shook a pill out. “Chew this!” She slipped it into Joy’s mouth. “I’ll get my phone to call for help. It’s in the rehab center. I’ll be right back!”
    She sprinted back to the rehab center, yelling as she came in the door. “Call 911! Joy’s having a heart attack!”
    Before Miranda could find the phone in her purse, Roxy was already speaking to someone at the 911 dispatch center, giving the address and calmly but urgently explaining the emergency.
    â€œI have to get back to Joy,” Miranda yelled as she ran for thedoor. As she raced back to the RV, she prayed, begging God to send help fast and to spare Joy.
    Please, God , she prayed silently, don’t let her die!

    Joy felt like an elephant was standing on her chest. She willed herself to relax, trying not to gag over the crumbs of the orange-flavored aspirin, as she waited for Miranda to return. Please, God , she prayed silently. Not yet. I’m not ready yet. Not done yet.
    Joy stared at the RV ceiling, willing herself to live, willing her heart to keep going. Somehow she had