Later That Night
In one week, Delibird and his Stantler will ride into Esterton to deliver goodies to all the good boys, girls, and pets, young and old.
Yes, I've known the truth since I was nine. Who can't see through it? But, for kids...for anybody really...the fun of suspending disbelief is what makes this time of year so special and magical.
I choose to believe.
"Hey, Chase? Forgetting something?"
In December, after dinner every night like tonight, I have the honor of plucking another block from the Advent tree. We don't follow the classic interpretation. Dad didn't want to force religious stuff on me. The tree is 31 days of goodies, behind the daily blocks, a treat.
Candy.
Money.
Other things like a wristband for my collection. That's one part about winter that I don't like because long sleeves make it hard to wear them. They catch on the sleeves and run up my arms.
Yesterday had to be another Paw Days joke from Dad because there was an acorn lodged inside the block. I collect those. Tonight's secret is a mystery-flavored sucker to satisfy my sugar addiction.
"Ooh! It could be anything," Dad says.
"You better brush your teeth," Mom says.
Anything but coconut.
Coconut isn't a flavor.
On Fridays, freezing or not, Dad and I walk around the complex. During the holiday, we like to look at window displays and judge them. However, tonight's walk is a clever ruse. I throw on my headband, then I'm back in the mobile sauna for a Krodi's run.
We're a family of observers. Dad noticed Mom liked this one top, so he's getting her that and slapping both of our names on the gift tag.
"So, what flavor is it?" he asks.
My mystery sucker?
"Watermelon," I say, the stick hanging out the corner of my mouth.
That flashy peppermint display looks pretty.
The complex leasing office likes to hold a display contest every year, giving away three Krodi's gift cards ranging up to fifty dollars in value.
I had an idea, but I don't know. It ends after the holiday, and winners aren't revealed until the January newsletter. It would be nice to win a gift card. I can use it and my Advent money for a cheap tablet.
YOU ARE READING
Castling: A Novel (NaNoWriMo21)
Novela JuvenilIt's a slice-of-life centered around "Chase the Ace," who finds himself changing schools against his will mid-year to help make the most of that brain of his. It'll be good for him, they say. He won't be so bored. He'll get to be with an old friend...
