 Rhibear ~ Madam Solo ~ Dark Brooding Girl ~ Accio Jedi ~ Gryffinclaw ~ Just a doll
3. Candy Canes
Setting: Magnolia Elementary School; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Christmas 2095
(194 words)
It was the last day before Christmas. Normandie sat, willing herself not to look out the window as the teacher talked. What was she going to give her family for Christmas? She didn’t have any money!
“...wrap the stem around the candy cane like this.” She looked at the half-finished ornament the teacher held up. “Glue on a pair of googly eyes and a pom pom nose, and you’ve got a nice little reindeer ornament.”
Normandie’s face brightened. She chose a gold stem for her reindeer’s antlers and a sparkly red nose like Rudolph’s. She twisted the stem around the top of the candy cane, carefully bending the ends. The eyes were harder to place! After several tires, she finally glued them on straight. She placed the nose, smiling at the reindeer she made. It was perfect for Mama Alma! Now what could she give her siblings?
Normandie raised her hand. “Can I have some more candy canes, please?”
“How many do you want?”
“Six.”
The teacher shook her head. “That’s too many. You’ll spoil your lunch.”
Normandie laughed. “They’re not for me. I want to make more ornaments for my brothers and sisters.”
__________________ Old voices I had thought long since dead whisper of another life I might have led
If I could take that second chance, If I could make my life anew, If only dreams came true... |