Thursday, December 20, 2012

Romantic Writer's Holiday Spirit Blogfest


First, I want to thank everyone for all the wonderful anniversary wishes!  You guys are super!  We had a fabulous evening taking the kids out to dinner and enjoying some great family time.

Now on to the main event!  



I'm participating in the Romantic Writer's Holiday Spirit Blogfest today, hosted by Denise Covey and Donna Hole.  I decided to write a flash fiction. Hope you enjoy.

ALONE

I handed Ellie her bags.  “Hey, you’d better get to the taxi or you’re going to miss your flight.”

“Are you sure you’re going to be all right?” she asked scrunching her eyes up.  

“I’ll be fine, now go and have a Merry Christmas in snowy New York.”

“Ok, call me.”  She  hugged me and hurried out the door.  

I told her I’d be ok, but as the door closed and our little apartment fell silent, a lump formed in my throat.  I couldn’t believe it was Christmas Eve and I was spending it alone.  When John dumped me two days ago, Ellie asked me to join her, but I didn’t want to barge in on her family’s Christmas.  I would have loved the snow though.    

My parents were off somewhere in Rwanda studying mountain gorillas.  I was proud of the important work they were doing, but I longed to see them.

I slunk down on the worn pea green sofa and water flooded my eyes.  I stared at the twinkling lights on our miniature Christmas tree.  At least Ellie had insisted on decorating it.

The colors blurred with my tears.  I was pitiful, but I couldn’t help it.  I let the lights bathe my mind in their soothing warmth.  

A noise at the door startled me and I slowly sat up.  A figure appeared in the doorway.  I shook my head.  It couldn’t be.  Standing in her favorite pink Chanel suit was Grandma Liz.  Impossible.  She died three years ago.  

I was devastated by the loss, we had a connection that Mom and I never had.  

“Trish, come on let’s go out on the town.”  She tapped her gold watch like we were already late for something.  

My mouth hung open.  

“It’s me, come on grab your jacket and let’s get some food,” she said.  

I did as she asked, grabbed her outstretched hand and we were suddenly in the old Italian restaurant she always used to take me to.  

We sat and talked for hours.  It was lovely.  She took my hand and said, “Trish, you have to move on, find someone who appreciates who you are.”  Tears threatened the corners of my eyes.   “You are never alone, I will always be with you...looking out for you.”

Then she was gone, and I was in my apartment gazing at the twinkle lights again.  I got up to clear my head.

Outside, big fluffy snowflakes fell from the sky.  Snow, here in South Carolina?  I smiled.  Grandma Liz had sent me snow.  She really had come to visit.  I felt the warmth of her spirit and I decided I would not spend this Christmas Eve alone.  

I grabbed my jacket and headed for the local soup kitchen.  I could at least help bring joy to others tonight.   


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Check out all the other great entries here and add your link to participate.






Kathy:)

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!

7 comments:

  1. That was wonderful! And nothing makes you forget your own sorrows than helping others.

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  2. Oh how sweet. We are never really alone.

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  3. Kathy, this brought out the reality that many spend Christmas alone and how devastating that can be. You caught me by surprise when her beloved granny turned up, but what a heart warming touch which resulted in our mc going out to help others less fortunate. Truly, a heart warming Christmas story.

    Thanks so much for adding your flash fiction to our list, Kathy!

    A Happy Christmas to you and your family!

    Denise

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  4. Oh, and a ghost story as well! Totally Awesome Km. This is such a beautiful sentiment. Life is always brighter through someone else's eyes (well, for me anyways since I pick up on the negative first, lol). This shows me family is forever, and transcends all barriers.

    Beautifully written, and exactly the spirit we were looking for. Thanks for posting this with RFW.

    On a personal note, I'm so sorry I've been away from your blog for so long. My head is in my day life lately, and I'm not paying much attention to the blogs. I appreciate you participating in this event. Have a great holiday Kathy.

    ......dhole

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  5. Alex- Thanks, making other people happy works wonders.

    L. Diane- Thanks.

    Denise- Thanks, it's my version of a Christmas Carol. hehe

    Donna- Now I'm blushing. Thanks for the wonderful words. Don't worry about not visiting. Real life has to come first. Take care and have a Merry Christmas. :)

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  6. A great story, well written and showing the true spirit of Christmas in giving to others no matter what turmoil is happening in our own lives. Happy New Year to you and your family.

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  7. Hi, Kathy,

    Happy Holidays.

    Terrific details and story. The imagery is beautiful. The snowflakes, the Chanel suit, the parents far away in another county... and finally off to the soup kitchen to bring joy to others.

    Well written and full of intricate details.

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