 Rhibear ~ Madam Solo ~ Dark Brooding Girl ~ Accio Jedi ~ Gryffinclaw ~ Just a doll
10. Bells
Setting: the home of Alma Martinez; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Christmas 2096
(198 words)
Normandie sat on the floor with her siblings, watching the end of an old movie. Although she didn’t understand it, she was glad the dad went back home. She was glad the town gave him money. She stared longingly at the little girl in her dad’s arms, wishing she had a dad like that.
Was it true? What happens when a bell rings?
She thought of her parents. She barely knew anything about them! All she knew was that her mother looked a lot like her; she died when Normandie was a baby. And her father was some kind of cop killed in the line of duty before she was born. Did her parents have wings yet? She hoped so!
“Time for bed!” Mama Alma called.
As Normandie joined her siblings, a gold bell on the tree caught her eye. An idea occurred to her, and she pocketed the bell on her way to bed.
Jingle, jingle! The light flickered on. Several children stumbled groggily into the hall, grumbling.
“Ay! You’ll wake the dead with that noise!” Mama Alma scolded.
Normandie blushed. “I didn’t mean to wake anyone. I just wanted to give my parents wings for Christmas.”
__________________ 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... |