It was that time of the year again, Christmas Eve and Isabella's mother were just as excited as you would expect her to be. However, there was a problem, Isabella still hadn't gotten her mom a gift! Every year Isabella saved up from allowances, however, this year she had spent it all on herself thinking she would have enough. As the hours went by, Isabella became more and more worried. 

"What am I going to do?" Isabella questioned as she paced around her room. 

As Isabella made her way to the dining room to tell her mother how she was sorry this year she wouldn't have a gift for her, she couldn't help but notice a ornament on the floor. As she went to pick it up she also notice that this ornament wasn't like the ones on her tree. 

"What is this?" Isabella questioned herself as she went to pick it up. Completely unknown that as soon as she touched it, this Christmas Eve would not be like the ones before. 

"Where am I?" Isabella questioned taking in her surroundings. There were people all around with hot chocolate cups and music playing all around. She was scared with no one she knew with her, in a place that didn't even seem like the city she lived in. 

As she kept walking around, the more she noticed how different this place was. It was decorated with so many Christmas decorations that made her feel at home. 

OLD TOWN EMPORIUM

As she kept walking around she found what seemed like a gift shop and decided to walk in to ask for help. 

As Isabella walked in she noticed an old woman standing near the entrance. 

"Hello child, can I help you with something?" the old woman asked her. 

"Hello, I'm looking for a present for my mom, but I don't have any money with me and I don't know where I am..." said Isabella, scared and sad. 

"That's alright! I might have something for you dear. How about we find something for your mother and then find your parents? How does that sound?" 

"Yes, that sounds great! Thank you." 

Isabella finally felt safe and no longer scared. 

"What type of present are you looking for?" the lady asked.

"But, I don't have any money with me right now." Isabella answered. 

"Don't you worry about that, you can visit me when you can and pay me back." the lady answered. 

"Well, it has to be big and glamorous right? Do you have anything like that?" Isabella asked. 

"I think your mother will love anything you give her, the price or size doesn't matter. What matters is that she knows it came from you and that you put effort in finding it." the lady answered. 

Isabella could not believe it, for the longest she thought the present for her mom needed to be something big and fancy, not knowing that her mom would be happy with whatever as long as it came from Isabella. 

"Do you think your mother would like this pearl necklace? It's fancy just as you said without having to be expensive or big." The lady suggested. 

"I love it! My mom is going to be so excited once she sees it..." Isabella got sad as soon as she mentioned her mother, missing her and wishing she could be with her. 

"Alright dear, let me put it in a bag and we can head out to look how we can get you to your parents. I'll get you a coat as well it's chilly outside."

"Thank you ..." Isabella said asking for a name. 

"Lily."

"Thank you Lily."

"Hey Lily, how come there's music and hot chocolate stands? Is there an event going on?" Isabella asked. 

"There's the Holiday Stroll event going on at the moment here at Old Town plaza." Lily answered. 

"Could we pass by? It looks quite beautiful." Isabella asked. 

"Alright but quickly we need to get you to your parents." Lily answered.