A flash of fiction …

Jan 11, 2021Jan 12, 2021Keith's Ramblings

for Fandango’s Flash Fiction Challenge

Everyone assumes he’s a jolly chap with an outgoing personality. Well, he is for a couple of weeks a year, but he’s actually a private person who leads a quiet life in a remote little cottage with just a few pets for company. When going out, he tries his best to disguise himself, but I know who he is!

Sadly, his precious wife Nora passed away a while back. Every year, early in December he makes his way to the churchyard clutching a bouquet and his guitar. He kneels beside her grave, neatly arranges the flowers. then strums a few chords and quietly sings ‘It’ll be a blue Christmas without you’.

He stands, kisses his hand and gently strokes the words on the gravestone, ‘Nora, beloved wife of Nick’.

Then he walks home with a spring in his step, soon to emerge looking resplendent in his red cloak and hat. He gives his sleigh a polish and grooms his reindeer ready to set off around the world to deliver joy and happiness to children big and small!

Thank you Santa!

Picture by artbyrandy at Morguefile.

Christine Goodnough Jan 11, 2021 / 16:27

For this prompt you’ve come up with an imaginative and well written tale!

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- Keith's Ramblings Jan 11, 2021 / 16:45
  
  Aww, thanks Christine!
  
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Sadje Jan 11, 2021 / 16:35

You gave Santa a very lovely backstory.

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- Keith's Ramblings Jan 11, 2021 / 16:46
  
  We tend to forget about him for 11 months of the year!
  
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  - Sadje Jan 11, 2021 / 17:03
    
    That’s true.
    
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pensitivity101 Jan 11, 2021 / 17:05

Loved this Keith. Neat twist at the end.

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- Keith's Ramblings Jan 11, 2021 / 17:09
  
  I’m so pleased! Thanks Di.
  
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Mason Bushell Jan 11, 2021 / 17:21

This is a beautifully written, sad and yet special tale. Well done, Keith.

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- Keith's Ramblings Jan 11, 2021 / 17:30
  
  Thanks for your kind words Mason, they’re much appreciated.
  
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  - Mason Bushell Jan 11, 2021 / 17:31
    
    My pleasure.
    
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Ramya Vivek Jan 11, 2021 / 17:57

Interesting 🙌🙌🙌🙌

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- Keith's Ramblings Jan 12, 2021 / 12:41
  
  Thanks Ramya.
  
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Dora Jan 11, 2021 / 18:36

Enchanting, Keith. Absolutely goes with the sweet-natured Santa we all love. 🙂

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- Keith's Ramblings Jan 12, 2021 / 12:41
  
  Thanks for your kind words Dora.
  
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  - Dora Jan 12, 2021 / 16:36
    
    My pleasure!
    
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Fandango Jan 11, 2021 / 19:05

Nice job, Keith. I was wondering if anyone was going to draw a Santa connection. You did it so well!

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- Keith's Ramblings Jan 12, 2021 / 12:40
  
  I thought more would! Thanks so much.
  
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Marja Jan 11, 2021 / 19:22

Wow, touching, charming, beautiful and I didn’t see that end coming. Fantastic

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- Keith's Ramblings Jan 12, 2021 / 12:38
  
  That’s so kind of you Marja, thank you.
  
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relaxitsallwrite Jan 11, 2021 / 21:04

So so good, Keith. Very heartwarming, and I LOVE the tie to Santa. Your creativity never ceases to amaze

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- Keith's Ramblings Jan 12, 2021 / 12:34
  
  Thanks so much, comments such as yours make it all worthwhile!
  
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  - relaxitsallwrite Jan 12, 2021 / 18:55
    
    You’re a go-to for me, Keith. I specifically seek you out cause it’s a guaranteed great read 🙂
    
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Olga Brajnović Jan 11, 2021 / 22:09

Superb twist to connect the man in black with Santa and the joy of Christmas Night. I love your story. Well done.

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- Keith's Ramblings Jan 12, 2021 / 12:33
  
  That’s so kind of you Olga, thank you.
  
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messymimi's meanderings Jan 12, 2021 / 02:14

Awww. Sweet story.

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- Keith's Ramblings Jan 12, 2021 / 12:32
  
  Thanks Mimi!
  
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isaiah46ministries Jan 12, 2021 / 16:34

You have a true storyteller’s heart! Well done!

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- Keith's Ramblings Jan 13, 2021 / 15:40
  
  Thanks so much for your kind words.
  
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