The End of an Era

So last night at dinner, an earnest six year old boy looked up at me across the table and seriously asked, "Is Santa Claus still alive?" I put down my fork and gave him a long look because, well, he's six! With everyone else chattering on around us, I finally just shook my head very slowly back and forth. His face fell and with a shaky, but brave, voice he quietly whispered, "I thought so."