Lunch was a small affair, largely provided for those that hadn't eaten or had skipped breakfast, but in between that and dinner there was a lull and everyone was rounded up and directed into a large living room area where a great tree was set up, beneath it an uncountable number of decorated packages.
Bit by bit the various families and groups made a place for themselves on couches and in chairs, some even taking to sitting on the rug with their offspring and mate. The kids, giddy and wild, were barely controllable as some circled around the tree and tried to count how many gifts had their name on the tag. The cacophony of noise was laughter, chatter, and eagerness. Even David, further back, seemed mildly at ease.
Anna had been offered part of a sofa to share with Arthur due to her being
