Rhibear ~ Madam Solo ~ Dark Brooding Girl ~ Accio Jedi ~ Gryffinclaw ~ Just a doll 12. Reindeer Setting: the home of Cherie and Norman Carton; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Christmas 2089
(200 words)
Cherie stood before a half decorated Christmas tree, fighting tears. Christmas wasn’t the same without Norman. One year ago, he left to track down a notorious dark wizard. For months she held out hope for a letter, a message, any sign that he was alright. Now she knew. He didn’t contact her because he couldn’t.
She didn’t feel like celebrating, but he wouldn’t want her to miss Christmas because of him. Besides, she had to make the day special for Normandie.
The baby squirmed and fussed as if she sensed her mother’s sadness, raising her arms in a demand to be held. Cherie picked her up. “Come here, sweetie. We’ll decorate together.”
Balancing Normandie in one arm, she found a crystal reindeer. The inscription reduced her to tears. Baby’s First Christmas 2089. She bought it months ago when she learned she was pregnant, when she believed Norman would come home.
Normandie’s aquamarine eyes lit up as she made grabby hands at the reindeer. “Yes, that’s yours. Your daddy would’ve loved it - and you.”
She gently guided Normandie’s head to her shoulder so her daughter wouldn’t see her cry, and so she wouldn’t see those eyes that reminded her of him.
__________________ 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... |