Anna’s dad remarries, and his new wife Melanie constantly belittles Anna. Right before Christmas, Dad gives Anna a beautifully wrapped gift and makes her promise not to open it until Christmas morning. On Christmas morning, Melanie greedily grabs the gift and opens it first—only to find a letter addressed to her. In it, Dad reveals he overheard her plotting to steal Anna’s present and set this up as a test. Inside the box is Melanie’s engagement ring, taken back as a final “goodbye.”
Dad then walks in, admits he never went on the trip, and tells Melanie to pack and leave. After she’s gone, Dad and Anna spend a peaceful Christmas together—and he gives Anna the ring as a symbol of a fresh start.
