 Rhibear ~ Madam Solo ~ Dark Brooding Girl ~ Accio Jedi ~ Gryffinclaw ~ Just a doll
6. Jolly
Setting: the home of Eudora Carton; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Christmas 2068
(199 words)
Norman sat in front of the television, watching a cartoon. The song was wrong. It wasn’t a holly jolly Christmas, not without his father. He tried to give his mother a happy holiday. He never cried, never complained. He did his chores without being asked and didn't even balk at having to wear a tie to Christmas dinner. Was it enough?
He looked back at the television as Santa appeared. That gave him an idea! Sneaking into the dining room, he grabbed some paper plates and napkins while he thought the adults weren’t looking.
“Looks like somebody’s ready for dinner!”
Norman turned, facing his grandfather with a sheepish smile. “It’s not for dinner, Grandpa. Can you help me transfigure this into a Santa suit?”
“Why do you need a Santa suit?”
“It’s a surprise for Mom.” Understanding dawned in Grandpa’s eyes; he nodded.
Eudora woke to banging. She rushed downstairs, wand in hand, to find a small dark-haired figure in a Santa suit. “Norman?!”
“Surprise! Merry Christmas, Mom!” He handed her a gift. She looked like she might cry; his heart sank. “Sorry, I know it’s not much…”
Eudora hugged him. “Thank you for being my jolly little elf.”
__________________ 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... |