Unawares by Hildegarde Hawthorne (New England Magazine, December 1908) opens with elderly couple sitting together on Xmas Eve; they talk about how they wish they had had a child, something they would have appreciated at this time of year. During their conversation, a young girl called Desiree turns up at their door, and starts calling them Grandpa and Grandma. They take temporary care of the child, and give her presents and read her stories, etc.
After this one-two setup, the story ends the next day (spoiler) with a neighbour coming to the house to find the couple dead, but with a smile on their faces.
I think the intent here is probably to show that couple get a dying wish, but the ending leaves a sour taste in the mouth. The piece is also more of a punchline than a story.
* (Mediocre). 1,750 words.