The Misadventures of Mr. Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who

friend?

"Merry Christmas to You" was playing softly in the background of the warm and fuzzy house of the 'Lou - Who's. Everybody was happily chattering away with one another, - surprisingly - adults and children alike. Everybody was talking with somebody.

Everybody, except for the Grinch.

Yes. THE Grinch.

It's not too hard to spot him in the crowd of holiday-goers. He's the only one who was covered entirely in green fur. 

He had stolen everything holiday related the previous night. But he had given back everything that he took! And one of the Who's he had stolen from was gracious and merciful enough to invite him to her house for Christmas dinner.

That someone was Cindy Lou Who. 

At this time, the Grinch in question had seated himself shyly on the livingroom couch. Every time a Who would pass him by, they'd give him a wave and a smile. Sometimes, they'd stick around and talk to him for a little while; putting a break on the deafening silence of the social loneliness that Mr. Grinch had become accustomed to for the past fifty-three years of his life. 

Nevertheless, they'd very soon leave to go speak with a family member or a friend, leaving the Grinch alone again. 

He didn't like it when he was left to himself. He'd been alone all his life. But now that he realized that it was loneliness that had caused him so much pain over the years, his newly grown heart ached whenever he was alone. 

Now, don't get him wrong! He's had a wonderful night! The best night of his life even! Dinner was delicious! The Who's were remarkably friendly to him, despite what he's done to all of them! And contrary to his thoughts, the time between conversations with Who's was brief and barely lasted more than a minute or two. But...when he looked around at all the crowds. 

He couldn't help but let his heart drag itself down. Yes. He wasn't alone anymore. But everybody here had someone that they knew! Whether it was family or friends!

And right now, his only two friends were Max the dog and Bricklebalm, the Grinch's mountaineer neighbor. 

But Max was busy getting belly rubs from the younger generation - which was adorable to watch, it put a smile on Grinch's face. And Bricklebalm was babbling away with Miss Donna Lou Who about the delicious roast beast. 

So, the Grinch was left to himself. 

Without a friend to speak to. 

Friend...

The furry, green adult could distinctly remember a certain young Who that said that very word.

"Aunt Ida, I'd like you to meet my friend, the Grinch!"

"Friend..." Grinch found himself repeating that word to himself over and over. 

Why had Cindy Lou called him that? HIM; the Grinch! The one responsible for nearly destroying Christmas for all the Who's! Including her and her family!

The Grinch still felt guilty for doing all that, for those who are wondering.

Why, of all who's and what's, would she call him a friend...?

It didn't make any sense!

That's when he overheard the pattering of little feet scampering behind the couch that he was sitting in. 

"thumpa-thumpa-thumpa-thump!"

Because of the fact the Grinch currently had nothing better to do, he spun himself around in his seat and looked behind the couch to see who was making the noise.