November 21, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the phrase, “Oh, my.” It can be used in storytelling or dialogue. What is the cause for such a response? Have fun with this one! Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
The Gift Wrapper – by Hugh W. Roberts
Reggie always helped me with packing Christmas gifts.
He had an eye for matching tags and ribbons with the right paper. All the gifts looked terrific.
“Thanks for your help again, Reggie,” I said while putting away the remainder of the Christmas wrapping paper.
I always got the same reply when he looked at me with deep brown eyes.
But this year was different. No brown eyes were looking up at me.
“Reggie?”
Silence.
“Oh, my!”
There was no sign of Reggie. Surely my pet rat hadn’t crept into one of the fifty-wrapped boxes sitting under the Christmas tree?
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Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
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Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
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Hugh's Views & News 
Someone is going to wonder whether they’ve been naughty this year! 😉
Hopefully, he got out before anyone unwrapped that gift.
I think the surprise would be more interesting 😉
Just put a note on the boxes: “If found, please give my Reggie a nice home. He’s really a lovely rodent.”
I’m not sure Reggie would be in such a good condition by the time those gifts are opened. I think immediate action is called for.
Lol, cute story Hugh. I wouldn’t want Reggie showing up in my gift. Lol 🙂
Me neither, Debby. But I hope he never entered one of those boxes in the first place.
This is better than “The Christmas Mouse” I used to read as a boy around this time of year.
Thank you. ‘The Christmas Rat’ doesn’t have quite the same ring, but I’m glad you enjoyed my piece of flash, Michael.
Someone will get quite a surprise when they unwrap their present, unless Reggie tunnels his way out of the box and wrapping paper first.
Knowing Reggie, I hope for the latter, Linda.
Very nice Hugh. My children had pet rats, among other creatures. They were very different then I imagined. Very intelligent and social. I am certain that Reggie has just run off to the kitchen for a light snack. Check there first!
It’s the first place I’d check, Will. But if he’s not there, I guess it means an early Christmas opening all those gifts.
I don’t know who to feel more sorry for… Reggie or the person who will find him in their present.
My “Oh, my!’ would definitely lead me to try to find out which gift box he’d crawled into, so no unexpected presents on Christmas morning.
Shake those packages! I’m sure you’d hear him!
If he’s in one of them, yes. I wonder how long I should wait? He may reappear.
If you wait, I am sure he’ll chew his way out!
Oops 😬
Haha. That would be a shock for someone on Christmas morning.
It would. Unless he can make ‘The Great Escape,’ Michelle.
I am sure, Reggie is rat enough to bite himself out of the box again 😄
Yes, and even if he isn’t in one of the boxes, what are the chances he nibbles his way into some that contain stuff he likes, Erika?
Sounds exciting… for him 😅
Reggie must have an eye for chewing on matching gift tags and paper? Good one, Hugh!
He’s the Harry Houdini of the rat world, Terri.
Oh dear, I hope Reggie survived 😉🤞🏼
I guess it depends on what was in the box he crawled into, Cathy.
Uh-oh. Who will open a package only to find a dead Reggie?
Love,
Janie
I have a feeling he’ll become the rat version of Indiana Jones.
You’ll have to open them all again.
Unless he suddenly appears. But maybe he’ll nibble his way out?
And the present too. 🐁
Haha. A funny start to my day. Well done, Hugh!
Glad to hear, Liesbet. Have a great day.
Ooer! Poor Reggie!
Would you help me find him?
I’ll give it a good go!