A Boy Named Nicholas/Part 2

Empath's story began about 60 years prior to his final return from Psychelia, during one of his visits to the Smurf Village. At that time Empath was still getting used to how to properly express emotions as a Smurf. It was around December 17 of the year that the Smurfs had their first snowfall of the season. Empath as usual dressed in his Psychelian bodysuit, despite the Smurfs telling him that he need only to wear gloves and a scarf for the cold season.

Papa Smurf had summoned all the Smurfs together at the speaking mushroom for his annual announcement. "My little Smurfs, I know that you're excited about our first snowfall of the season, but now is the time we should prepare ourselves for our most joyous time of the season -- the Winter Solstice!" Papa Smurf announced.

"HURRAY!!!" most of the Smurfs shouted together.

"I hate the Winter Solstice," Grouchy said.

"Timber, I want you, Hefty, and Duncan to smurf out into the forest together with a team of Smurfs to smurf up the biggest evergreen tree you could find to smurf it up as our Solstice tree in the center of the village," Papa Smurf said.

"As you wish, Papa Smurf," Timber said, giving a salute in response.

"Greedy, I want you and your kitchen staff to start smurfing up a feast for us to enjoy on the day of our Winter Solstice," Papa Smurf said.

"Oh boy, that's my favorite part," Greedy said as he licked his lips.

"Yeah, mine too," Nabby said as he did the same.

"Vanity, I want you and Party Smurf to smurf the village with lots of streamers and wreaths to make this village look festive for Winter Solstice," Papa Smurf said.

"Well, you've certainly picked the right Smurf for the job, Papa Smurf," Vanity said.

"Uh, but what about gifts and presents, Papa Smurf?" Clumsy asked.

"That is up to the rest of you Smurfs to create and smurf to each other this year, Clumsy," Papa Smurf said. "Let's try to smurf together to make this one of the best Winter Solstices we've ever smurfed. That is all."

"HURRAY!!!" most of the Smurfs shouted together.

After Papa Smurf left and the Smurfs started to go their own separate ways, Tapper met with Empath. "Tis that time of season when we celebrate the change in seasons, my fellow Empath," Tapper said.

"This one only wishes Polaris was here to celebrate this occasion with us instead of having to be stuck in Psychelia with his endless studies," Empath said with a heavy sigh.

"I know how you feel, believe me," Tapper said. "We could all wish to have someone special with us to celebrate the holidays with, but as it is, we still have each other, and I smurf my blessings every day for the friends and family that I have."

"At least you are one of the few Smurfs who are very vocal about this appreciation of friends and family, Tapper," Empath said. "There isn't a day that passes in Psychelia for this smurf when this smurf wishes to be home for all time among this smurf's fellow Smurfs."

"I believe that may someday happen, Empath," Tapper said. "As the Almighty is my witness, I have been praying for your permanent return ever since your first visit to this village, and though my prayers haven't been answered yet, I am certain that the Almighty will smurf about the answer in due time."

"Your faith in this Almighty is admirable, to say the least," Empath said. "But this smurf wonders if you ever had doubts about whether the Almighty does answer all your prayers."

"He doesn't smurf me what I want, but He does smurf me what I need, so I would say that He answers all my prayers," Tapper said. "That doesn't mean that I'm always smurfect in walking in His ways, for Enoch was the one who walked so smurfectly with God that he was taken and was found no more among men. But I do smurf it a point to walk as close as I can to the Lord in where He wants me to smurf, so that I have complete confidence in what He smurfs for me."

"This smurf is...pleased to know that about you, Tapper," Empath said. "This smurf believes that you would make for a great counselor someday if that role becomes available for a Smurf to undertake here."

"I'll be happy just being a humble bartender instead of smurfing beside Papa Smurf all day like Brainy," Tapper said.

To be expanded on.