A Fabled Holiday (2022)

[bunniefuu]

There lies

a sleepy little village,

with the biggest

Christmas spirit.

Look for it on a map,

and you won't be able

to find it.

It is said

that only those in need

of the village's particular joy,

can find their way

to its quiet, welcoming streets.

"And once

these special visitors arrive

in this magical little place,

they experience

a holiday season like no other,

and are reminded

of who they really are

and the true joy and peace

that is the meaning

of Christmas."

Did you really read this book

when you were my age?

Only about a thousand times,

and now,

it belongs to you.

An early Christmas Eve present.

Because you,

my sweet darling girl,

are a very special person

with a very special gift,

and you know

what that means, right?

I will grow up

and do very special things?

That's right.

As long as you follow

your heart and your dreams,

you cannot fail.

But all of Talia's dreams

are filled with pirates

and fairies, sir.

Hey, my dreams are fun!

Look who it is.

Well, happy holidays, Anderson.

Thanks.

I wanted to ask

if Talia could come out

and play with me.

But my dad just got home

from his work trip.

He's reading me my new book.

You should stay and listen.

Actually,

your timing is perfect.

I was just about to whip up

some hot chocolate for us.

Talia, why don't you build

a cozy fort

and you can read it to Anderson?

"The village is ruled

by a beautiful fairy queen

and her handsome king,

but everything you want

was there,

you just had to ask."

I bet I could find Wunderbrook

on a map.

All I'd need is my compass.

No way, it's impossible.

It says so

right on the first page.

You have to have

"forgotten who you are

and forgotten how to dream".

Whatever that means.

Besides, the evil witch

would chase you

and force you out of town,

and then the princess

would give you

a kiss on the cheek

and grant

all your secret wishes.

Secret wishes and kisses?

I don't remember

that part of the story.

Because

I'm making up my own parts.

- Thank you.

- Thanks.

You're welcome.

Talia is going to be a writer

when she grows up,

because she's always daydreaming

and making things up.

Yeah, I'm going to be famous,

and everyone

will read my stories.

I know you are.

So, what are you going to be

when you grow up, Anderson?

Our teacher says

I should be a doctor.

I think that sounds

like a wonderful idea.

Are you okay, Daddy?

Are you still tired

from your medicine?

A little,

but nothing to worry about.

I'm heading upstairs now.

Don't get into any trouble

down here.

Okay, love you.

I love you, too.

What's that flyer say?

"Good for one free week

at the Gingerbread Inn,

offer will not expire,

transportation provided.

Where is it?

It says "Close by,"

but close by to what?

I guess it's a mystery,

just like Wunderbrook.

I bet nothing bad

ever happens there.

- Hi.

- Hi.

Do you really have to move away?

Yeah, my mom's

renting out the house.

She wants to be closer to

my aunt and uncle for a while.

She says this house

is too much for one person

since my dad died.

I got you something.

It's so you can

keep writing down

all your stories.

Thank you, Anderson.

I love it.

Maybe you can send me some

in the mail?

When you're feeling better.

I have something for you, too.

I wanted you to have

your own copy,

so you wouldn't forget about me.

Did you hear that?

Hear what?

I thought I heard...

Never mind.

I'm going to miss you.

Me too.

As time continues to pass,

dreams are often in danger

of making way for reality,

but where there is passion

there is hope...

For one dreamer at least.

Hey!

- Hi!

- Tal!

I'm so excited to see you!

Looks like your

creative juices are flowing.

Oh, no, not exactly.

Just some

exhilarating inventory.

Well, the store looks fantastic.

Thanks so much

for hosting my event,

and so close to Christmas.

Are you kidding?

We have a literary sensation

in our midst.

Come look.

I have a surprise for you.

You ready?

Ta-dah!

Oh!

"Sensation" might be

a bit of a stretch,

but I appreciate

your enthusiasm.

I don't suppose your publisher

gave you any feedback

on my manuscript?

They just got back to me.

They said it was cute,

but they don't think

your stories

are a fit for their brand.

They prefer edgier material.

Right.

Okay.

Well, thank you for trying.

Yeah.

Look.

Someone's in your reading chair.

That's where Miss Talia

reads us her stories

about Mr. Snowflake.

Sloane,

this is my neighbor, Ryan.

And your biggest fan, I see.

Today, Sloane is going

to read part of her book.

She's a real

professional writer.

Talia wondered

if she would ever

find her voice,

or those who would

appreciate her gifts,

while unaware

a friend from the past

was searching

for answers of his own.

Chief, hey, it's, uh,

it's Anderson.

You gotta get somebody

to cover my next procedure.

No, I'll be okay,

I just need a couple of days

to clear my head

and get some rest.

I'll keep you posted.

I'll be back soon, I promise.

Thanks, Chief.

Doubting oneself

does not make for a happy heart,

especially when

that inner conflict spreads

to the loving bond

between two souls.

I got some gifts

for the nieces and nephews,

I just need to find something

for your parents.

Any thoughts?

Keith?

You don't need my two cents.

I'm sure

whatever you pick is fine.

Okay.

Did you remember

to call the plumber?

The leak is getting worse.

I'll do it myself.

Where have I heard that before?

As Diane contemplated

if this was her last Christmas

with Keith,

another soul was desperately

holding onto something

that was already gone.

Bea, honey, I'm home.

How was your day?

I went grocery shopping.

I picked up some of

that almond milk you like.

So fancy.

Remember when it was just

half and half?

Oh, I ran into your friends

from the book club.

They sure miss

having you around.

Little did

these struggling souls know

the forces that would

bring them all together

were already in motion.

Why bother,

you already know

what they're going to say.

"Thank you for your interest,

but we are unable to proceed

with your material

at this time."

like it's really no joke.

Did you say something?

Oh, sorry, no,

I'm just talking to myself.

Have we met?

Sorry, never mind.

You know, I do that a lot

because I read quite often

and so between

all the characters

I envision in my head,

and all the people

that come through this door,

there's just

a lot going on, right?

I also talk a lot.

Talia?

Is that you?

From Rockford Elementary?

- Anderson?

- Yeah.

- What?!

- Yeah!

- Hi!

- Hi!

Wow!

How long has it been?

Not since you and your mom

moved away, right?

When did you come back

to Seattle?

I moved back

into my family's house

after I got my Master's

in writing.

Cool.

I wish I'd known,

I would have invited you out

for coffee or something.

Oh, you know, and I actually

kept meaning to look you up,

but I didn't think

you'd remember me after so long.

Of course, I remember you.

So, which section is yours?

Do you use a nom de plume?

More like a nom de calculator.

This is actually my store.

- Oh.

- Yeah, which, you know,

requires a surprising amount

of math,

and sadly, not as many

clever turns of phrase.

Ah, well, that's too bad.

I always liked

reading your stuff.

Not that running your own store

isn't also fantastic.

- Yeah, yeah, yeah.

- It is, no,

I just,

yours was the only fiction

I ever really got into.

Oh, that's nice.

Well, um, I still dabble,

of course, right?

In fact, publishers

are considering my work

as we speak.

Cool.

What about you?

What about you, what do you do?

I am a surgeon.

- Oh!

- At Seattle Medical.

But I'm taking

a bit of a vacation.

Oh, hence the need

for reading material?

Yes.

Okay, so, what are you

in the mood for?

Can I offer you

a nice juicy mystery, or...

Maybe something

a little more uplifting

would be a better distraction?

Just what the doctor ordered?

- Something like that.

- Okay.

So, what you have planned

for the holidays?

My mom's away this year,

but I have other plans.

Loads of plans.

Lots.

Great, well,

we should do that catch-up

after the holidays.

I would love that.

Yeah.

Um, here,

put in your contact info.

Ah, still ordering me around

like old times, huh?

Some things never change.

All right.

Thank you. Here you go.

I think you'll like this one,

it's on me.

Well, thanks.

Text me, and we'll get

that catch-up on the books.

Yeah. Sounds good.

- All right.

- Okay.

- See ya.

- Bye.

"I still dabble?"

Good grief, Talia,

you're so lame.

Hey, Mom, guess who I saw today.

Anderson!

Yeah, from back in the day.

Do you remember him?

Oh.

Single?

I have no idea,

we didn't get into all that.

I know, I wish we could

spend Christmas together, too.

Yes, for sure, absolutely.

Okay.

I love you, too.

Bye.

Oh.

Hello?

Hi, Robyn?

It's Talia!

Um...

I know it's been a while,

but I was just wondering

what you were up to

for the holidays?

Oh, dear.

I'm afraid this isn't Robyn.

This is Judy,

and you've reached

the Gingerbread Inn.

I'm sorry, the Gingerbread what?

The Gingerbread Inn, dear.

I'm assuming you called

about the special

getaway promotion?

Deluxe private room,

three home-cooked meals a day,

access to all

festival activities.

That... Wow, that sounds lovely,

but I was actually just trying

to call my friend.

Well...

maybe it's fate.

Those who need it most

tend to find their way to us,

and you're in luck.

We only have two openings left

for this season.

Do let us know soon

if you change your mind.

Okay, great, thank you,

uh, but I will say, um,

I probably will just stay put

and celebrate with my friends,

but I do appreciate the offer.

Very kind.

Okay.

Thank you.

Bye.

Hmm.

Hey, Jenny, it's Talia!

Yeah, hey, I was just wondering

what you were up to this week?

Oh, that's right, yes,

I forgot you were

with Rick's family.

Okay.

All right, well, have fun.

Bye.

Hi, we spoke

earlier this evening.

Yeah, you know,

I've been thinking,

and I changed my mind.

I'd be thrilled

to accept your offer.

Where in the world am I?

Wunderbrook?

Be right there!

Welcome to the Gingerbread Inn.

I'm Judy, and I'll be your host.

Is everything okay?

I don't know.

I'm having major deja vu.

You know, this place

looks a lot like the...

Never mind, never mind.

It's just my imagination

working on overdrive again.

Ignore me.

Okay, I'm clearly exhausted.

I was, like, nodding off

in the car ride over here.

Thank you for arranging that,

by the way.

We are delighted to have you.

Please...

accept your welcome basket.

Oh!

I asked you three times

to pack an extra charger.

Why didn't you email me

the task list?

Talia, meet Diane and Keith,

two of our other guests.

Oh, and this is Charles.

My husband, Miles, is bringing

you some spare clothes.

They're not exactly

fashionable, but...

Oh, I appreciate the generosity.

I didn't expect to be staying,

so I just brought

my fishing gear.

Oh!

Jake, what's the matter?

A car was detoured our direction

on the way up the coast,

and the driver says

it's running funny.

I told him to come on over.

He's grabbing his suitcase.

Anderson?

Seriously?

Yeah, I think? Hi.

Hi.

You know each other?

Uh, yeah,

but we haven't seen each other

for like almost 30 years.

Yeah,

and now it's twice

in the same week.

He's stalking me, it's fine.

Sounds like kismet to me.

Really?

Well, I'll go see

if I can figure out

what's going on with that detour

and take a look at your car.

I'm sort of the

Jake-of-all-trades around here.

- Get it?

- Yeah.

Well, that would be great.

I'm sure I'll figure it out

by the morning.

Well, gotta get going,

lots to do.

Oh, and in the meantime,

I've got an extra room for you.

I've got some lovely desserts

in this other room.

I'm just going to turn in.

I should probably

get some work done.

- I'll be upstairs, okay?

- Okay.

I don't want to get in his way,

but I'm not very hungry,

so I'm just going to go read.

And then there were two.

This way to the dining room.

Delicious hot cocoa for you?

- Oh.

- Yeah, thank you.

Well, I'm hoping to figure out

what's wrong with the car.

I'm aiming to get out of here

as soon as I can.

I'm sure he will.

Excuse me.

So, I thought you were

stay-cationing in Seattle

with loads of plans.

Oh, yeah, uh,

I may have embellished that

a little bit.

Ah.

Okay, you have to admit

that it's a wild coincidence

that we're both here, right?

Okay.

It was synergy.

Ah, I thought the word

was "kismet".

Only five visitors this year.

Not a ton,

but we can make it work.

Maybe.

Assuming they have

a successful stay with us.

I can't wait

to meet the new people.

I have so many questions.

I told you, Izzy,

you're not to bother the guests.

I won't, Mom, I promise.

I don't know

why you're all so excited.

Interlopers,

that's what they are.

I wish they'd all just

stay away and leave us be.

Oh, Mildred,

I know it's hard for you

to forget the past.

Maybe this season

we can change how you feel.

Now, we only have

until the conclusion

on the Night of Wunder,

on the 23rd, same as every year,

to get everyone sorted.

We all have our roles to play

and not much time to do it.

So...

let's get to it.

h*! h*! h*!

And so, Mildred

reluctantly pondered her role

in the fate

of this year's guests.

What obstacles

could she lay in their paths?

Apparently,

the road to the cabin

is going to be closed

longer than they thought,

and my car is still

out of commission.

- Please.

- Thank you.

Yeah.

So, I'm going to try

and book a Ride-share

so I can take off.

You sure you want to leave

so soon?

There's something

in the air here.

Keith, the plumber said

he could start

on the repairs today.

Our house flooded,

which is why we had

to clear out last minute.

Then I found a flyer

for this inn.

It was in the mailbox

without a stamp.

It was the oddest thing.

What about you, Charles?

How did you find your way here?

Oh.

Boredom.

I've fished every fishing spot

there is to fish in Idaho.

You came all this way to fish?

And to think.

Yeah.

I got a little lost

on the way...

found my way here somehow,

Judy offered me a room.

I figured I'd better stay put

before I really got lost.

How about you, Talia?

Well, I called the wrong number

and Anderson got re-routed

on a detour, so...

It's kind of like a force

drew us all here

or something, right?

You haven't changed a bit.

That overactive imagination

still working double-time.

Hi! I'm Izzy.

Judy and Miles are my parents.

Can I show you all around

before you get started

with your day?

My mom said it's okay.

Oh, our very own tour guide!

I'll pass.

I'm not in the mood for a tour.

- Sounds good to me.

- Yeah.

Keith?

I should finish my brief.

There's so many places

you can visit.

There's

Mildred's Miracle Tavern.

It's the nicest

restaurant around.

Even though Mildred isn't always

the nicest person around.

Don't tell her I said that!

I swear, it's the oddest thing.

I just know

I've been here before.

Impossible.

I've never seen you,

and I never forget a face.

My mom says

it's like a super power.

Oh, well, that's impressive.

Okay, but continue, Izzy,

this is so exciting!

And it'll get even better.

The tree lighting is tonight.

The official start

of our Wunder Week.

"Wunder Week"?

Okay, I know

I've heard that before.

Me too.

Maybe a client...

What do you and Keith

do for work?

Oh, we're both lawyers.

I just made partner at my firm,

and Keith is a public defender.

What about you, Anderson?

What do you do?

I just became an attending,

so I supervise

my own group of residents.

Surrounded

by doctors and lawyers.

Suddenly,

I feel deeply inadequate.

Aw, when you're a big,

hot-shot author,

you'll forget all about us.

Aw, you sound like my dad.

He passed away when we were ten.

He was just

my biggest cheerleader.

I miss him every day.

Hello there.

You interested

in something to go?

Got anything on tap?

Can I see a food menu?

No substitutions, no exceptions.

Don't worry,

the only thing I'm allergic to

is excessive pleasantries,

and I don't think that's going

to be an issue here.

Goulash is my specialty.

I'll have

a specialty goulash then.

To stay.

Can I ask you something?

This whole village

looks like a Christmas elf

exploded on it,

but here, not so much.

I used to go all out.

For years,

this was the place to beat

for best storefront

on Main Street.

And then?

I'm over it, as the kids say.

You and me both.

I wish it was January already.

Oh, Charles!

This is where

you've been hiding.

Not hiding.

I just prefer to avoid

the holiday hoopla.

Oh.

I can recommend the goulash.

No substitutions.

Sounds perfect.

Three orders?

Sure.

So, did you have a good day?

I did.

I had a pleasant enough

conversation with Mildred.

She's... interesting.

This place is nice.

Yeah.

Hey!

Now, that is the kind of service

you do not get in the city.

It's a little too good.

Keith would send it back.

He'd be suspicious

it'd been sitting out too long.

How'd you kids meet?

Oh, we were on rival quiz teams.

I beat him during the round

on the billboard charts

of the '90s.

So how'd you go from rivalry

to romance?

He said since I bested him

in front of his friends,

the least I could do

was join him for dinner.

After that, we were inseparable.

Ah, young love at its finest.

It's all so fleeting.

Okay, we better get this in.

It's the opening night

of Wunder Week.

Uh, hello?

Can you guys hear me out there?

Welcome, residents and guests.

I'm Mayor Miles,

and starting tonight,

we kick off our Wunder Week.

Inspiration

for your next project?

Oh, no,

I can't even think about

another project right now.

I'm tapped...

and honestly,

the writing thing...

isn't really happening for me.

Well, that's a shame.

I liked getting your stories

in the mail.

I was sad

when you stopped sending them.

You don't have to say that.

Anyway, that was a lifetime ago.

We should buy some souvenirs

when the market opens.

I don't know if this is a season

we want to remember.

Let's light it up!

What do you say, folks?

Okay!

Three, two, one!

This village would look

even more picturesque

if it were snowing,

don't you think?

What did I tell ya?

In Wunderbrook

a little magic goes a long way,

but there's so much to do,

and such little time.

Chapter three.

Only five days until

the Night of Wunder deadline,

and no one is making

significant progress.

Personally, I'll be glad

when the tourists

stop infesting our home.

Every year, we give and give

and are left

with nothing in return.

I'm sick of it.

That's not true.

We're left

knowing we helped someone

overcome a challenge

in their life

and move forward.

The problem isn't just

receding tourism.

If we fail,

visitors won't have the ability

to find their way to us anymore.

Oh, this looks good.

Ready for

the ultimate taste test?

Oh, so glad

you guys could make it.

We have to guess

the different flavors

in the hot chocolate.

Oh, fun!

When we were first together,

Keith and I used to try

new restaurants once a week,

and guess the ingredients

and the spices in their dishes.

Blindfolds at the ready.

- Okay.

- It's time to get tasting!

All right. Thank you.

- You first.

- Me first.

Definitely smells like coconut.

Gold sprinkles?

I was just about to eat this.

Ah!

Hey, you guys are cheating,

I saw that.

Weird. Your sister said

she sent our gifts here,

but the courier couldn't find

the address.

Maybe the village

is unincorporated.

Off-grid.

That's odd.

We already

tried that one, Keith.

Yep, I know.

Just wanted a second taste,

if that's all right with you?

Okay, come on, Keith.

Let's go, drink it up!

Time's a-ticking.

Okay, tastebuds

on the prize, right?

Right, so you'll listen to her.

Yeah, because she doesn't

treat me like an employee.

Um...

I'm going to go back to the inn.

Thank you.

You're doing better

than I thought, Dr. A.

Thanks.

You can just

call me Anderson, Izzy,

and yeah,

maybe I can add hot cocoa

to the short list of things

that I can make.

Maybe you can make one

for your girlfriend.

Wait...

Do you have a girlfriend?

No, I am married to my work.

What about you, Talia?

You got a boyfriend

back in Seattle?

No, no, the only relationships

I've been in recently

are from the romance section

in my bookstore.

So you're both single!

Um...

well...

Thanks.

So, what kind of

"wunder" ful joy

did everybody get up to today?

You'd know if you joined in.

The festival

is a community event

and right now you're

part of that community.

I used to love the holidays.

But it's just...

it's not the same

going through the motions

without my Bea.

Is that your wife?

My high-school sweetheart.

We were married 42 years.

She did the bookkeeping

at my shop.

She was a whiz with numbers.

Couldn't style her hair

to save her life.

Sounds like

you made quite the duo.

We did.

She passed

three years ago.

Cancer.

I'm sorry, Charles.

I'd give anything

to see my Bea again.

Just for 10 minutes,

even if all we did was bicker.

She brought so much color

to my life.

You still deserve

to experience joy, Charles.

Did you know that Charles

is a widower?

Sorry?

I just overheard him

telling Judy.

He misses her so much,

and here I am,

constantly at odds with Keith.

I just...

I feel so horrible.

Do you want to come in

for a minute?

Yeah.

I'm a pretty good talker,

but I think I might be

a better listener.

Have a seat.

So, what's really going on

with you and Keith?

Besides a flooded house.

He never listens to me.

He just tunes me out,

like I don't even exist.

I'm sorry, Diane.

Maybe it's normal

in a long-term relationship?

I don't know.

I filed for divorce.

Oh.

I haven't served him

the papers yet.

I wanted to wait

until after the holidays,

and I thought maybe this trip

would be our last chance

to reconnect,

but he's...

You know, enough about me.

How about you and Anderson?

I've been sensing a vibe

between you two.

No, no, no.

We're just old friends.

Hey, sorry, am I interrupting?

- Oh, no.

- We were just chatting.

- Yeah.

- Were your ears burning?

Should they be?

No, they shouldn't be.

We were just...

wondering

where everyone was.

And here you are!

I mean, not just you,

like, everyone, all the people.

Well, I am here,

and everybody else

is going downstairs.

Miles invited us for story hour.

That sounds like fun.

Yeah.

- Shall we?

- We shall.

Okay. Let's go.

Oh, this looks like story hour

at my bookstore.

What's a story hour?

There are kids

in my neighborhood

whose parents

struggle to find childcare.

So they come,

and they read books,

and they hang out.

I tell them

some of my own stories, too.

Well, I used to anyway.

I would have loved

something like that as a kid.

However, um, this event

isn't quite the same.

Our tradition

is to create

an original holiday story

every year.

How does it work?

We all take turns.

Whoever has the microphone

is the storyteller.

Izzy, why don't you kick us off?

Okay.

There once was a lonely snowman,

who wanted to meet

a special snowlady

and fall in love.

Ooh...

Uh, so, he joined an app...

called the Icy Connection...

Uh... hoping to find a match.

And...

all anybody ever wanted from him

was advice on how not to melt.

Hey, no, this is...

This is

from real-life experience

from the five minutes

that I spent on a dating app.

Here, take it for a spin.

Uh, no, no...

- No, no, no, no

- Here you go. Your turn.

Hey, aren't you the pro?

Fine, okay.

Um...

but when the snowman

looked in the mirror,

he wondered, sadly,

why he could never frolic

in the sun,

and so began

his existential quest

to understand

his elemental nature,

for how could he ever partner

with another snowy creature,

knowing that a terrible,

puddly fate

awaited them both?

Oh...

Then what happened?

Well, he moved

to the North Pole, of course,

where he would be safe

to find love all year round!

Oh!

Brilliant!

Okay, here.

Okay, that is

a tough act to follow.

I know, right?

Show-off.

No, but, really,

you have a gift.

Maybe it's time to pick up

that pen again?

Oh, hey, Mildred,

I just stepped out

to get some air.

Are you joining us or...

Jake asked me

to bring you these.

Looks like the roads

are open now.

Your car seems to be running

just fine.

You're free to leave

and be on your way,

bright and early tomorrow.

Thanks.

Something the matter?

Nice stunt with the keys.

Classic, Mildred.

Stunt?

I was just returning a man

his property.

Mildred, you have to let

things unfold

the way they are meant to

until we've helped them

sort their lives.

I am just playing my role,

and you know it.

Besides,

the magic is almost done.

Tick tock, tick tock.

Will Mildred's meddling ways

obstruct

the townspeople's quest?

Chapter four.

- Oh, hi.

- Hey.

You got your keys back.

Yeah, yeah, looks like

the detour is cleared up,

and my car is okay.

So, you're heading out?

Actually,

I don't know.

I was putting some stuff

in my trunk,

and I suddenly had

this overwhelming feeling

that I needed to stay.

It's hard to explain,

but I hope you're okay

sharing a bit more

of your vacation with me.

I can live with that.

All right.

What's up?

Oh, I found this

by my door earlier.

You didn't leave it there,

did you?

No.

No, I can't

claim credit for that one.

That's strange.

Anyway, I love it

and I've been writing

all morning.

What about?

Well, I'm noodling

on a holiday story

about this village,

and its precocious

resident tween.

Ah, so Izzy is your muse.

Well, I'm available to be

your first reader,

whenever you're ready to share.

I might take you up on that.

All right.

Let me guess,

you're responsible

for that notebook's appearance?

If only I could wave my wand

and have them all

face their inner demons.

You know we can only provide

a positive,

uplifting experience.

Our guests have to figure out

their issues on their own.

You've practically been

all over the world.

I have, everywhere

but the North Pole.

Oh, I'm so envious.

You know,

I get to travel, too, you know,

yeah, when I read.

Well, put some of them

on your bucket list.

You know, I don't actually

believe in those.

My dad had this whole endless

list of places he wanted to see,

and he barely made a dent in it.

It just broke my heart,

but feel free to regale me

in more of your adventures.

So, where to next?

I'm not sure I'm going

to do it again this year.

Why?

You have

too many responsibilities

as an attending?

Not exactly.

Uh...

anything you want

to get off your chest?

I hate kale.

There, I said it.

Okay.

Excuse me, Charles?

Jake?

I'm supposed to play Santa,

but I have to set up

the grounds for later.

Would you be willing to step in

and play Santa for me?

Ah, I don't think so.

Get him to do it.

Anderson?

He doesn't have the gravitas

or the wisdom for it.

I don't know

what we're talking about,

but I think I'm insulted?

Since I have you,

would you two be willing

to play Santa's elves?

Uh... hold on,

are there costumes?

Yes!

See, Charles?

Everyone wants in.

Please, I'm begging you.

There's no one else,

and the kids are waiting.

I'll give you an hour.

Merry Christmas.

Here to make your wish?

I'm...

here to fix Santa's beard.

Who's in charge here?

Where's Jake?

What's wrong with my beard?

If you're going to do something,

you can't do it halfway.

You sound a lot like my Bea.

She was an all or nothing girl.

She sounds like a wise woman.

You were lucky to have her.

I should, um...

get back to the tavern.

Okay, who's next?

Climb aboard, Izzy.

You know, Anderson,

if things don't work out for you

at the hospital,

I see a future for you

in elfin arts.

Haha.

Tell Santa your wish, kiddo.

Mr. Santa,

this year, I'd like to wish

for a bicycle,

a dollhouse,

a sewing machine, a...

Whoa!

Slow down, young lady.

Mr. Santa,

most of all,

I want to see

my new friend, Charles,

smile again.

That's a very generous wish.

Well,

that was shockingly exhausting.

Yeah,

and actually,

I was kind of hoping

to sit on Santa's lap,

but the kids

had dibs on his time.

Childhood has its perks.

What would you have wished for?

Oh, well,

there's a first edition

of Jane Austen's Emma

that I've been coveting.

What about you,

a new stethoscope or something?

No, no, I've got

plenty of those.

Actually, I like...

I like your idea.

I think I'm plagiarizing you.

Yeah?

I've been meaning to read

more Jane Austen.

Oh!

Oh, h*!

Hey there.

You burst in here like

you're running from someone.

No, no, I'm just...

I'm avoiding a conversation

with Diane,

to be completely honest.

Oh.

We need to sit down

and have a real conversation,

but I just freeze up

every time I see her.

Hmm.

Tell me more.

I forgot to call the plumber,

which is just a tiny thing,

but it's another example

of me just freezing up.

She treats me like an employee,

not a partner.

Reminds me of me and Judy.

I'm always letting something

fall through the cracks.

Is it really about the plumber, though?

Who knows?

Ever since Diane made partner,

she's been so stressed

with work.

I just want to go back

to when things were simpler.

When was the last time

you had a date night

that was just about

the two of you,

not your task-lists?

Huh...

No idea.

We've been so caught up

with our frustrations,

not our romance.

May I suggest

taking a time-out

from the acrimony?

Try to remember

why you fell in love

to begin with.

Yeah.

Thanks.

I have to admit,

this place is pretty magical.

Do you have the same events

and artisans every year?

Pretty much.

Most are annual traditions,

but some are new,

and we escalate,

as we get to the final

Night of Wunder.

Wait, "Night of Wunder"?

Okay, that is not a coincidence,

that is straight out of a book

I loved as a kid.

It was...

Oh! A Wunderbrook

Christmas Story.

Oh, yeah!

A Wunderbrook Christmas Story.

I knew this seemed familiar.

Okay, so you've read it, too?

Oh, yeah.

I loved it back in the day.

My cousin and I

would read it to each other

over and over again.

That's what Talia and I

used to do

before she moved away.

Hold on a second.

My mother gave it to me, too.

Hey, are you,

are you familiar

with A Wunderbrook

Christmas Story?

Sure, it's a classic.

Why do you ask?

It's just, it's been

a favorite of ours

since we were kids, so...

I'm surprised it's still popular

with your generation.

I'm going to turn in.

Goodnight.

Okay.

We've all read

the same Christmas book,

and we've all

mysteriously arrived

in the same village?

I know my imagination

is a little overactive,

but this is too much.

What is going on?

Excuse me a second.

How was the...

What can you tell me

about "inner conflict"?

Is that the name

of a rock 'n' roll group?

I'm afraid

I'm not too up to date

with my pop-culture facts.

Level with me, Judy.

There's something

very curious going on here.

Have you been sneaking

into my spiked eggnog reserves?

I'm serious.

Wouldn't you agree

it's a little odd

that all five of your guests

have old copies of

A Wunderbrook Christmas Story?

Not really.

It was a major best-seller

in its heyday.

Okay, but all your events

come from the book.

How do you explain that?

I admit,

we borrow some of their ideas.

I didn't realize that was

a copyright infringement.

Right.

Of course, it isn't.

I'm sorry I came at you

with so much intensity.

I just sometimes get an idea,

and I run away with it, and...

yeah.

Goodnight!

Wunderbrook's secret

was kept safe

by the Fairy Queen,

but for how long?

Chapter five.

Hello?

Earth to Talia?

- Oh, hi.

- Hey.

Sorry, I'm just looking up

images of Wunderbrook,

trying to refresh my memory.

I thought Judy talked you

out of that conspiracy theory.

Ooh, I just lost my connection.

Maybe that's

not such a bad thing.

Oh.

Thank you.

- Cheers.

- Cheers.

Mm!

For today's activity,

you are not casual

Christmas enthusiasts.

Instead,

you are craft specialists.

Aye-aye, Captain.

What are we making?

Christmas stockings,

and if you'd like,

you can leave them

on the inn's mantel

as a memento of your stay.

I just thought it was about time

I joined the merriment.

Let's get started.

That looks...

interesting.

I have a vision

for a baroque design,

but I think my eyes

might be bigger

than my artistic aptitudes.

Well, it's the thought

that counts.

Oh, yours is perfect, Anderson.

Looks like you're putting

your surgical dexterity

to good use over there, Doc.

Thank you.

So, Diane and I will be

flying out of Seattle

when we go home.

I thought we could make

a date night of it.

Really?

Oh, that's so nice.

I don't remember the last time

we had a date night.

Do you have any suggestions

of restaurants that we can go to

for a special occasion?

- Yeah, Francesco's.

- Francesco's.

- You've been?

- Yeah.

I've been dying to go.

I took my first ever

dating-site match there

a few months ago.

She spent the whole dinner

asking me about

her mom's medications.

Oh.

Well, he's married

to his work anyway.

- Aren't you?

- Yeah.

For years I was consumed

by my surgical residency,

but...

now I think

maybe I am ready to find

the right person

to share my life with.

Well, you better

get back on that app then.

You know, I actually

think it's better

just to meet in real life,

you know, more organic.

Yeah, like Keith and Diane did.

Oh, when we first met,

I wasn't looking to settle down.

We were so young.

But when you know...

Jake called to check in.

Sounds like the group

is really starting

to open up to each other.

Good,

but sharing stories

isn't going to be enough

to complete our mission.

You know that.

No, but it is a step

in the right direction.

Perhaps, but beyond that,

I think Talia is starting

to put things together.

She's clever, that one.

Relax, honey.

It's a good sign.

She's using the gift

of her imagination.

How did you get to be

so optimistic?

Would you have me be

any other way?

You know I wouldn't.

Isn't that fun?

Ah, there you are!

Diane and Keith are going to

come hang their stockings later,

but you guys can do it now.

Okay.

So cute.

Oh, that looks so good.

Are these past Wunder Weeks?

Yeah.

Indeed.

We used to get

a lot more visitors here

in the past,

but quality over quantity, right?

Oh, Miles,

you forgot to take a photo

of our group this year!

Again!

Oh.

Get in there. Great.

Aw, you guys look great.

Okay, ready?

Say "tinsel"!

One, two, three!

Tinsel!

Got it!

Hey.

You okay?

You look upset.

Still mulling

the Wunderbrook connection?

Oh, no, no.

I'm just about to head

to Mildred's to write.

I need a quiet space

and no one's ever there.

Yeah, thanks.

I just, um,

keep thinking

about Keith and Diane.

I hope they work it out,

you know?

Yeah.

What about you?

You, uh, thinking about

going back to the app?

Maybe?

Like I said,

dating hasn't been a priority

in a long time,

but...

I'd like to make it one.

And you?

Gonna get back out there?

Oh, uh, no...

I don't know.

The next guy on my radar

will probably think

I'm too outlandish.

Yeah, like

my last boyfriend did.

That's just 'cause

he didn't realize

what a catch you are.

Oh, well,

he is not the first guy

to accuse me

of getting lost in my daydreams.

Well, I always thought

your overactive imagination

was part of your charm.

Besides, isn't teasing

what boys do

when they have a crush?

Why do you think

I was always coming around

to give you a hard time?

Can we talk?

Yeah.

I feel like

we've become strangers, Keith.

I definitely feel

the distance between us,

especially

since you went for partner.

I feel it, too,

and I know I ask a lot,

and that I've been

putting work first,

and it's hard on you,

and us.

Thank you,

for acknowledging that.

But it's not all on you, D.

I know I haven't adjusted

as well as I should.

I just...

miss you.

We were always

each other's rocks.

I'm your rock?

You miss me?

Yeah.

Well, I can be

pretty great, huh?

I know you're going to make

a great partner,

and I'm here for you,

that's never going to change.

I just need my partner, too.

I need you, Diane.

I need you, too, Keith.

I need you.

The magic wish...

kiss...

Um, Mildred, can I get

a little more coffee?

I'm on a roll here

with my story.

You're brave.

Hmm?

Only a select few ever make it

as professional writers.

Personally, I couldn't handle

the disappointment.

Well, that's true.

I mean, it hasn't always

been easy.

You have to have

the perfect storm

of luck,

talent,

and circumstance.

It's probably more likely

to win the lottery.

Yeah.

Well, thank you, Mildred,

that's really sage advice.

Wunderbrook's charm

may be helping some,

but others' dreams

remained challenged

by a sprinkle of doubt.

Chapter six.

Where's Diane and Keith

this morning?

I don't know.

They're usually up

before everyone, aren't they?

Let me guess,

you're imagining some scenario

in which they're trapped

in the bottom of a well?

Please, that's so basic.

Are you leaving?

So soon?

We are.

We talked last night.

Really talked.

How'd that go?

We realized

we missed what we had,

and as a wise person

once told me,

it's all so fleeting.

We want to make

our marriage work,

and as lovely

as this village is,

and as warmly

as we have been welcomed,

we need to spend some time

with each other.

Get back to why we fell in love.

And it's been so good

getting to know you.

You as well, but don't think

you're getting rid of us

so soon,

we're going to visit you

in Seattle.

Goodbye, Diane.

It was so nice to meet you, man.

It has been our honor

having you here with us.

Thank you, everyone.

Happy holidays, everyone. Bye.

Happy holidays.

- Enjoy the rest of your stay.

- Merry Christmas.

- Did you hear that?

- Yeah.

Maybe it's coming from outside?

Must be it.

Well, today

is our famous market day,

not to be missed.

Charles.

Something I can help you with?

Um, I don't suppose

you've got any extra

Christmas decorations around?

Are those...

decorations?

Nope.

Judy let me borrow them

from the inn.

Thought you and I

could spruce up the joint.

I told you,

I'm over all that.

Well, get under it.

You know, I never thought

I'd celebrate the season again,

but my time here

has been quite eye-opening.

How wonderful.

Another satisfied customer.

Judy will be tickled.

Frankly,

I've been bitter

about the holidays,

but if I'm being honest,

it's because I've been lonely...

and I think

you might be, too.

Come on, humor me.

A little tinsel

never hurt anybody.

Fine,

but if anyone asks,

you broke in here

and did all this yourself.

Consider me guilty as charged.

Here.

I made it myself.

You made this?

For me?

With my eyesight,

my skills aren't

what they used to be.

Try not to judge

the workmanship.

It's perfect.

No one has thought

to do anything this nice for me

in a very long time.

Thank you.

I got you an ornament

with a surgeon's mask,

and it is so you.

Do you want to see?

Yeah.

Isn't it cute?

Yeah.

Yeah, thank you.

Are you okay?

Yeah.

Yeah, I just... I don't know.

I don't know if I can continue

to practice medicine.

Look, I'm not very good

at letting people in,

but you're also

not just people, so...

I'm going to share

something with you

that I'd really like

to stay between us.

Yeah, you got it.

All right.

A few weeks ago,

I had a patient in

for a routine appendectomy,

which ordinarily is a procedure

that I can perform in my sleep,

but the patient developed peritonitis

and then sepsis,

and I couldn't save them.

Oh, Anderson,

I'm so sorry.

Was this the first patient

you've lost?

No,

but it is the first

that I've lost

since I've become

the attending in charge,

and it was devastating.

I had to deliver the news

to the family,

which is something

that I've had to do before,

but something about this one

was different.

I don't know.

I have one job,

and that is to save

their loved one,

and I couldn't do it,

and I've been on leave

ever since.

The hospital put you on leave?

No.

I put myself on leave.

Was there something

you could have done differently

for the patient?

No.

Okay, well then, it sounds to me

like you're punishing yourself

for something that was...

sadly unavoidable.

What if it happens again?

Anderson, do not let

one incident derail you

from what you were born to do.

You're a doctor.

That is your calling.

Well, speaking of your calling,

would you let a few rejections

derail you from your career?

That's your calling.

Not the same.

If you say so.

Anyways, thanks for listening.

It felt good

to get that off my chest.

Can we keep it between us?

Of course, of course.

I'm always here for you.

I know.

Same.

Oh!

Now, what is going on here?

You've never seen

Christmas spirit

on display before?

Well, it looks fantastic.

I think we're just about done.

You'll have to come back

at night

and see the lights in action.

It's a date.

And then she giggled!

Mildred.

I saw it with my own two eyes.

Charles was positively buoyant.

He must derive his own joy

from uplifting others.

That's an intriguing notion.

Perhaps that's Mildred's gift.

Helping others find joy

by challenging the status quo.

And maybe she finds

her own joy along the way.

Maybe.

But I think

Charles also has a crush on her.

Oh, I see.

"Takes one to know one."

Isn't that the relevant phrase?

I see the way

you look at Anderson.

No.

No, no.

I look at him normally!

Ooh, the lady

doth protest too much.

I admit nothing...

And hypothetically,

it wouldn't matter anyway.

We've just resumed

our friendship

and I would never want

to jeopardize that.

So, you think telling him

how you feel

could jeopardize

your relationship?

Hypothetically?

Okay. He may have had

a schoolboy crush on me

when we were kids,

but he needs

an accomplished woman,

someone further along

in their career.

I do not fit that description.

Okay, but what if

you're wrong about that?

Is it simply Christmas cheer,

or is something

even more magical

spreading through Wunderbrook?

Chapter seven.

Hey.

Morning, sunshine.

Morning.

Bought you something.

Oh, thank you.

Look at you helping out.

It's like you're teacher's pet.

No.

Oh, it's true.

You guys are basically

the king and queen

of this village.

No, we're not!

That's absurd.

No, I meant you're the mayor

and Judy's

basically in charge of things?

It's all a group effort.

Good morning!

We're on our way to grab

the bells for the procession.

The princess and the fool...

just like in the book.

- What?

- What?

Oh, sorry.

I think I'm still half asleep.

Oh, back again, huh?

You're going to get

sick of my cooking.

I doubt that.

But I'm not here to eat.

I'm here to invite you

to accompany me

to the procession tonight.

You're going to that?

I was planning to finish

my year-end accounting tonight.

Mildred,

it would be my honor

to escort you this evening.

Maybe.

If I can find the time.

You look beautiful.

Not that you don't usually...

You just...

You look extra radiant.

You look pretty good yourself.

Judy lent me this coat.

- Isn't it great?

- Yeah.

- Shall we?

- Yes.

- One for you.

- Thank you.

One for you.

I am not exactly

a musical prodigy.

Well, these bells

have a way of maintaining

a harmony all on their own.

He means try your best.

You okay, Charles?

Oh, yeah, I'm fine.

I was just...

I was hoping that...

it's okay.

My mom and Uncle Jake

have to lead the procession.

I'll walk with you!

That's very kind, young lady.

Well, shall we?

My dad would get

such a kick out of this.

He loved pageantry.

What do you mean?

He said I was born

to do great things,

but I have zip

to show for myself,

other than a career that stalled

before it even began.

I sometimes feel like

I let him down.

You could never.

Look, it's

a really tough industry

and he would be so proud

of how hard you tried.

It's just, like,

whenever I try

to consider my future,

it's paralyzing.

It's almost like

I can only imagine

the worst-case scenario

when the subject is myself.

Is this a mid-life crisis?

I don't know

anything about that,

but I do know

that your father loved you

more than anything,

and it has nothing to do

with your accomplishments.

Thanks, Anderson.

That means a lot.

Now, please,

no more compliments,

otherwise it's going to go

to my head.

May I have this dance?

You may.

Just don't expect me

to trip all over your feet.

- I've got some moves.

- Yeah?

Yeah.

You're fashionably late.

But you look lovely.

- Shall we?

- Oh. Okay.

If you insist.

Aw! Could they be any cuter?

Looks like love is in the air.

Mildred, when I first

arrived here,

I was such a miserable Grinch.

Well, it takes one to know one.

I'm not exactly

the life of the party.

Maybe not,

but in this short

amount of time,

you've brought so much color

back into my life.

Thank you.

Now, don't tell anyone

I said this,

but...

I'm glad you showed up here.

Did you hear that?

Yeah.

I have been racking my brain

trying to figure out

when I've heard that before...

And do you know when it was?

I'm going to tell you.

It was when my dad

gave me a copy of

A Wunderbrook Christmas Story.

And I heard it again

when I gave a copy to you.

Really?

Hang on a second.

Excuse me.

Judy, Miles.

- Hi.

- Hi.

Could you guys please just admit

that something magical

is going on here?

Magical?

Christmas is a magical time.

I'll admit that the village

has its quirks,

but isn't this a bit much?

Okay. Five disparate people

show up

through very strange circumstances

to the same town,

all coincidentally having read

the same fairy-tale story?

It is completely improbable

without some

otherworldly explanation.

Not to mention,

all five of us

had very obvious

emotional challenges

we needed to overcome.

Keith and Diane's marriage

was falling apart,

Charles was grieving,

I'm clearly a disaster,

this guy has lost a patient...

Uh-uh!

Enough is enough.

Imagination is one thing,

but this is crazy.

What will you

accuse us all of next?

You have got to stop

living in your daydream

and pay attention

to reality, dear.

So you all think I'm ridiculous?

Your mind is obviously

playing tricks on you

so you don't

have to face the truth.

Which is?

That you have been so afraid

that you've allowed

your dreams to fail.

Wait, that's not fair.

Well, at least

she didn't abandon

a well-earned profession...

Something that could

actually save peoples' lives.

Mildred! I thought

you had turned over a new leaf.

How could you?

And a leopard

doesn't change its spots.

This is what happens

when you invite me

to these things.

I asked you

to keep that between us.

I'm sorry.

It just slipped out.

Yeah, you really

got carried away.

Maybe Mildred's got a point.

So much

for my active imagination

being part of my charm

then, huh?

It's not like she was

so off-base about you either.

I'm sorry, everybody,

you don't deserve us

messing up your night.

Anderson, let's go for a walk,

let you decompress...

I'm just going

to go back to the inn.

I'm taking off

first thing in the morning.

But the Night of Wunder is...

Something I'll have to miss.

Though truth

is welcome in Wunderbrook,

some truths can cause

more heartbreak than healing.

Is there anything I can do

to change your mind?

Judy, you've been

an excellent host.

I gotta be on my way.

Okay, well, if you must go,

we understand.

Please do come back

and visit us again?

Thanks for everything.

Oh! Hey, Charles.

Dramatic night last night.

You're not kidding.

I don't know what to make of it.

I'm turning it around

in my head.

Charles, are you okay?

I don't...

Something's not right.

Judy! Anybody!

I need some help here!

Where's my phone?

Charles, can you hear us?

Do something.

Judy? What's wrong?

It's Charles.

His breathing was shallow

and he fainted.

- I didn't know...

- Anderson, help him, please.

We think he's having

a heart attack.

I need my medical bag

out of my car.

On it.

Well, Charles is settled

into his room.

His blood pressure

dropped suddenly,

which mimics a heart attack.

But he just needs to hydrate

and up his sodium intake

and he'll be fine.

Thank goodness, you were here.

Thank goodness,

I had left my phone.

I thought I had it.

Just glad it all worked out.

So, how did it feel,

getting back into doctor mode?

It felt...

it felt like my calling.

It is, Anderson.

This is your gift.

And the world needs it.

The world needs you.

Okay, is this a prank?

Because if it is,

it's not funny, all right,

especially after

the day I've had.

Judy,

I think it's time

we told the good doctor

the truth.

Wait, start over here.

You lost me.

So...

so you're telling me

that this town is from

a made-up Christmas fable?

Yes, Anderson.

It is.

And the chimes?

The first time it rings

is when someone

receives the book.

The second time,

it signifies

the healing was successful.

We know it's a lot to take in,

but this is all very real.

So she was right?

About everything?

- I gotta tell her...

- No, wait, wait.

You can't.

If she knows the truth,

it'll interfere with

the integrity of the process.

I see.

You know, for a made-up village,

you guys have a lot of rules.

Come in.

I won't stay,

but I heard what happened.

I brought you

some of your favorites.

Extra sodium,

as per Doc Anderson's

instructions.

How come you went after

him and Talia like that?

I heard about your reputation,

but you were so biting.

I don't recognize you.

I wish

I could make you understand.

But please believe,

I'm still the same person

you invited to the procession.

Rest up, Charlie.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome to the most magical

night of the year!

Welcome to the Night of Wunder.

Pretty "wunder" ful, huh?

You're still here?

Turns out there's no place else

I needed to be.

I...

I heard Charles is on the mend.

Are you okay?

Yeah, yeah,

I think I got my sea-legs back.

Thanks to your encouragement.

- I'm really sorry...

- I...

Please. Ladies first.

I'm really sorry

that I revealed

your private information.

I just got caught up

in this crazy conspiracy theory

and it just slipped out.

It's okay.

I'm sorry

that I took Mildred's side.

I, of all people,

should know how anxiety

can take hold.

Truce?

I think I can live with that.

And I promise,

that is the last time

I'm going to let

my imagination run wild.

I actually convinced myself

that I was

in some magical world.

It's so embarrassing.

And I got obsessed.

It's so silly.

I'm so sorry.

I meant what I said before.

It really is part of your charm.

Truly.

I got you a bit of

an early Christmas present...

More of a re-gift.

Are these my old stories?

Yeah.

"He held onto them,"

she thought,

"even when I was ready

to let them go."

ine.

My old stories?

What, you actually kept these?

Yeah. Yeah. I found them

while I was packing.

I... I thought your dad

would want you

to have those back.

I'm speechless.

Thank you.

Wow.

Are those your stories, Talia?

Oh.

I get it.

I've gotten it wrong

this whole time.

I kept thinking

that my dad's greatest fear

was that I wouldn't become

some big, fancy author.

But his greatest fear

was that I would become stuck,

which is exactly what happened.

I have been

in this holding pattern

since he passed,

just so terrified.

I think because he was so young,

I've been afraid

to imagine my own future.

And I've let it hold me back

from so many opportunities.

I am a writer.

This I know.

It is my calling,

it is in my bones,

it is in my heart.

I'm not questioning that.

I am a writer.

But that's not

what this is about.

This is about my own fear.

I have been so afraid

to do what I love

or be with someone that I love

because what if

I lose them, too?

I am done living in fear.

I am done!

Do you hear me?

Looks like it worked, Mildred.

All part of your big plan.

I always believed in you.

That was...

- I'm not done.

- Okay.

Anderson...

I have feelings for you.

You keep me grounded,

you give me the space

to be exactly who I am...

and ever since we were kids,

you've always made me feel

like I'm special.

There's nobody

more special to me than you.

I have feelings for you, too.

Can you say that again?

I always have.

Your joie de vivre

puts a smile on my face.

And after spending

this time with you,

I can't imagine

my life without you.

Shouldn't you be resting?

Didn't want to miss all the fun.

And besides,

I have a proposition.

I don't know

what happened last night...

And that doesn't matter.

What matters is that I know you.

I want to stay in Wunderbrook.

Indefinitely.

If you'll allow me?

You do?

I do.

Well, I mean,

I guess I could get used

to having you around.

Besides, you're pretty cute.

Nobody has ever asked us

to stay before.

This is unprecedented.

We'll have to consider

all the ramifications...

Stay, Charles.

We know you'll make

the perfect addition

to our ranks.

So, does this mean

we get to tell everybody

about everything now?

Tell us about what?

Okay, I think I need a minute

to process this.

That makes two of us.

So, you all aren't

making this up

to humor me for some reason?

I knew it!

I knew it wasn't

just my imagination.

So, I'm actually

inside a magical world?

So, you're

the king and the queen?

And the freckled princess?

And the witch and the fool.

No offense.

Hey, someone's gotta do it.

So, my dad came here

in time

of his own inner conflict...

and that's why he gave me

his copy of Wunderbrook.

In case you needed it some day.

This is so incredible.

You all are going to help

so many people

for generations to come.

Maybe not.

Why would you ever stop?

We won't.

But the popularity of

A Wunderbrook Christmas Story

is waning more and more

each year.

It's only a matter of time

before people stop showing up.

But hey, why be so maudlin?

We had a successful group

this year,

and just in the nick of time,

so tonight, let's celebrate.

Everyone, get out there

and enjoy this...

Night of Wunder!

We insist!

So...

so where were we?

I can't really recall.

Maybe I need to borrow

some of Miles' mistletoe stash?

I don't think

we're going to need any.

You were right, you know.

About Wunderbrook?

No. About kismet.

And as this year's story

comes to an end,

the fate of Wunderbrook's future

has also been secured,

thanks to a new best-seller.

I knew you had it in you, Tal.

We all did.

Congratulations, Talia.

You did amazing.

Almost ready for your speech?

I gotta get back

to the hospital soon.

Ready as I'll ever be.

Hey, you look familiar.

Nope, nope,

not doing that again.

I hope you've found

everything you were

looking for, sir.

I'm quite sure I have,

thank you.

Now my part of the tale

has come

to its happy conclusion,

for I, too,

have fulfilled my destiny

of passing on my story.

Good afternoon.

Thank you so much for coming

to this book launch...

Who's that guy, Miss Talia?

Oh, that is Wunderbrook's

newest resident...

The noble knight.

Here, this copy is for you.