for Fandango’s Flash Fiction Challenge
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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.
For this prompt you’ve come up with an imaginative and well written tale!
Aww, thanks Christine!
You gave Santa a very lovely backstory.
We tend to forget about him for 11 months of the year!
That’s true.
Loved this Keith. Neat twist at the end.
I’m so pleased! Thanks Di.
This is a beautifully written, sad and yet special tale. Well done, Keith.
Thanks for your kind words Mason, they’re much appreciated.
My pleasure.
Interesting 🙌🙌🙌🙌
Thanks Ramya.
Enchanting, Keith. Absolutely goes with the sweet-natured Santa we all love. 🙂
Thanks for your kind words Dora.
My pleasure!
Nice job, Keith. I was wondering if anyone was going to draw a Santa connection. You did it so well!
I thought more would! Thanks so much.
Wow, touching, charming, beautiful and I didn’t see that end coming. Fantastic
That’s so kind of you Marja, thank you.
So so good, Keith. Very heartwarming, and I LOVE the tie to Santa. Your creativity never ceases to amaze
Thanks so much, comments such as yours make it all worthwhile!
You’re a go-to for me, Keith. I specifically seek you out cause it’s a guaranteed great read 🙂
Superb twist to connect the man in black with Santa and the joy of Christmas Night. I love your story. Well done.
That’s so kind of you Olga, thank you.
Awww. Sweet story.
Thanks Mimi!
You have a true storyteller’s heart! Well done!
Thanks so much for your kind words.