Holy night

Jingling bells, chortling voices.
Unending hope, countless prayers.
Optimism flew around, in plenty.
Smiling, contented spectators.
Light lay at the end of the tunnel, they said.
Yes.
It did.
It was one that’d steal the light of life from her.
The prodigal smile on her face was priceless.
It was mournfully, her cheerful last.
Veritably, a single contented scream, marked her decease.