“When is Santa coming?” Jimmy spluttered as he was racked by another fit of coughing.
“Soon son.” Peter replied tucking him in.
Peter briefly contemplated putting the presents out immediately but he swatted the thought away like an irksome fly. It was late and bed beckoned.
It was his wife who found Jimmy the next day curled in a ball in the living room. His fevered brow had cooled to match the snow outside. Jimmy would never see another Christmas.
Every Christmas eve as Peter lies awake he hears the echo of Jimmy's voice asking him when will Santa come?
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Poignant. I hope Peter learns to relish Jimmy's memories and not the regret. Like how the emotions are kept somewhat outside letting the cause/effect of Peter's actions carry the emotional punch.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh!!!!!! This seriously almost made me cry. So sad, and it sent chills down my spine. Good job!
ReplyDeletePoor Peter! Great story though.
ReplyDeleteTruly chilling!
ReplyDeleteBoth characters are heart-wrenching. I feel so much for the mother too.
ReplyDeleteWell done :)
.......dhole
Brilliant.
ReplyDeleteOh, goodness, this one's sad. But that's exactly the spirit of the shared storytelling. Thanks for joining us, Craig.
ReplyDelete