“Are you sure this is what you want to see?” said Michelle as she struggled to hold back the tears.
Her daughter nodded. “Don’t cry, Mummy. Look at the tree. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? You know how much I love Christmas.”
Choked, Michelle could not answer her young daughter’s question. The tears in her eyes made the lights on the Christmas tree blur into one another. Warm on her cold cheeks, they trickled towards the scarf her daughter had gifted her last Christmas.
Standing together, holding hands, Michelle made a Christmas wish that would prove the doctors’ predicament regarding her daughter’s upcoming journey into the darkness due to blindness untrue.
High up, in the skies above the Christmas tree, a shooting star ferried the wish away.
“Merry Christmas, Mummy. I love Christmas, but not as much as I love you.”
Written for Esther Chilton’s writing prompt – Christmas.
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This story is brilliantly done, Hugh. It is amazing that you can weave such an intricate tale in just 99 words. I love how you brought us in emotionally. You have an amazing imagination. :) xxxx
Thank you, Marsha. I’m glad you think so. Sometimes, stories like these come to me instantly, and I pat myself on the back for publishing them.
I don’t think I’m a natural like that. I sweat blood over stories. Poetry, not so much, but as I prepare to publish a book of poetry, I’m doing more editing revisions than I expected. :)
I always find editing the boring bit. But it’s vital.
I get tired!
Lovely story!
That’s a lovely story.
Thank you.
A beautifully written and tender story, Hugh. It brought tears to my eyes and shows we should be grateful for things we take for granted.
Absolutely, Eugi. I’m glad the emotion came through the story. Thank you for your lovely feedback.
You’re welcome, Hugh.
You packed powerful emotions in this short tale. Well done! Here’s hoping the Christmas wish comes true 🎄
Thanks, Dave. I’m glad the emotions shone through.
A touching story, Hugh. Highlighting the importance of sharing those special moments and love. Starry nights for me are always thought provoking.
Thank you, Suzanne. I also love starry nights and spending time looking up and wondering.
Beautiful story, Hugh. Such a pleasure to read though it made me weepy. The good weepy.
That’s great feedback, thank you, Diana. I’m glad the emotion of the story came through.
Loud and clear.
Lovely Hugh. That’s what every mother loves to hear.
Thank you, Jan. Yes, at any of the year.
Weirdly, I’ve just written a 500 word story I’ve entered into a competition about a child’s sight loss. But you’ve done it beautifully in just 99 words.
Great minds, Paul. Good luck in the competition. Will you publish the story on your blog once you’re allowed to? I know some competitions do not allow publication of stories before the end of a competition.
I could do Hugh. Would people want to read a 500 word story as part of a blog?
I’ve published a few longer stories on my blog and whilst they don’t get as many comments as some of my other posts, I still get some great feedback.
Beautiful, Hugh. This is the second flash fiction I’ve read today about the magic of shooting stars. Maybe I need to look up at the sky tonight.
Yes, look up and send a wish to the stars, Janis. I’m glad you enjoyed this piece of flash.
What a lovely story, Hugh. Thanks for sharing it.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading it, Darlene.
Oh, Hugh, this is beautiful and you had me getting watery eyes too.
I’m glad the emotion came through in the story, Erika. Thanks for letting me know. It makes me very pleased to get feedback like yours.
My absolute pleasure! You know how and where to catch the reader, Hugh!
it did Hugh but that is good 💜💜💜
What a heartfelt story, Hugh. Talk about tug at the heartstrings! So moving and we hope her Christmas wish is granted. If I may, I’ll add this to my prompts on Wednesday.
Please do, Esther.
Glad it tugged at the heartstrings. Keep a lookout for those shooting stars.
Thank you, Hugh 🤗
A truly tender story Hugh …. lovely 💜💜
Thanks, Willow. I hope it didn’t bring any tears.
Lovely, Hugh. I had to get out the Kleenex!
I’m pleased to hear it, Noelle. Tears were in my eyes when I wrote that last line, too. Why do I do things like this to myself?
Because YOU can! And don’t stop!