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?

***

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

***


Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

***

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

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41 responses to “Flash Fiction Friday – The Gift Wrapper”

  1. dgkaye avatar

    Lol, cute story Hugh. I wouldn’t want Reggie showing up in my gift. Lol :)

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Me neither, Debby. But I hope he never entered one of those boxes in the first place.

  2. Urspo avatar

    This is better than “The Christmas Mouse” I used to read as a boy around this time of year.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you. ‘The Christmas Rat’ doesn’t have quite the same ring, but I’m glad you enjoyed my piece of flash, Michael.

  3. Linda Schaub avatar

    Someone will get quite a surprise when they unwrap their present, unless Reggie tunnels his way out of the box and wrapping paper first.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Knowing Reggie, I hope for the latter, Linda.

  4. Will avatar

    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!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

  5. Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com avatar

    I don’t know who to feel more sorry for… Reggie or the person who will find him in their present.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

  6. noelleg44 avatar

    Shake those packages! I’m sure you’d hear him!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      If he’s in one of them, yes. I wonder how long I should wait? He may reappear.

      1. noelleg44 avatar

        If you wait, I am sure he’ll chew his way out!

  7. Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader) avatar

    Haha. That would be a shock for someone on Christmas morning.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      It would. Unless he can make ‘The Great Escape,’ Michelle.

  8. Erika avatar

    I am sure, Reggie is rat enough to bite himself out of the box again 😄

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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?

      1. Erika avatar

        Sounds exciting… for him 😅

  9. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar

    Reggie must have an eye for chewing on matching gift tags and paper? Good one, Hugh!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      He’s the Harry Houdini of the rat world, Terri.

  10. Cathy avatar

    Oh dear, I hope Reggie survived 😉🤞🏼

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I guess it depends on what was in the box he crawled into, Cathy.

  11. janiejunebug avatar
    janiejunebug

    Uh-oh. Who will open a package only to find a dead Reggie?

    Love,
    Janie

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I have a feeling he’ll become the rat version of Indiana Jones.

  12. Sadje avatar

    You’ll have to open them all again.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Unless he suddenly appears. But maybe he’ll nibble his way out?

      1. Sadje avatar

        And the present too. 🐁

  13. Liesbet @ Roaming About avatar

    Haha. A funny start to my day. Well done, Hugh!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Glad to hear, Liesbet. Have a great day.

  14. Ritu avatar

    Ooer! Poor Reggie!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Would you help me find him?

      1. Ritu avatar

        I’ll give it a good go!

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