I carefully took the first one in my hands. The number one box was gaily wrapped in blue and gold. I slid off the wrap and the most beautiful music started to play. I gently took the top off and the sides of the box peeled away to reveal a carousel. Instead of wooden horses I could see that the tiny horses were real. They moved around the ride by galloping and jumping into the air.

Suddenly I felt a strange tingling and I shrunk, becoming so small I was able to climb into the carousel and ride the horses. There was a white one with a diamond star on his forehead, a black one with a golden saddle, a brown one with a mane that was braided with ribbons of silver thread running through them, and I rode them all. Faster and faster we went as the music played.

At last the music stopped and a childlike voice whispered, "Pick one" I thought about how beautiful all the horses were, and how could I pick one. Off to the side I had not noticed the one little horse standing alone. He was white with black and brown spots. He had no pretty trim, or fancy saddle or glittering star, but his eyes were soft and kind. "I'll take that one, please." I said.

Next thing I knew I was my normal size again and standing beside me was not a horse, but the most handsome man I had ever seen. His soft, kind eyes looked at me with the greatest love and I knew then I had found the most precious gift of all, LOVE.