|Weak Hero| The Little Match Boy

The Little Match Boy

Donald Na shivered in the freezing winter cold. It was Christmas Eve, his birthday. Despite it being his birthday, he was forced by his stepfather to go outside and sell matchboxes to people in the street.

Donald tried for about an hour or two, but no one wanted to buy a matchbox from him. They knew that they'd get a better deal from the nearby convenience stores. Donald huddled up in an alley, giving up on trying to sell his matches.

He knew that if he went back home without selling a single one, his stepfather would kill him. He already got beaten for selling very little on most days. But if he were to return without selling any at all? That monster would definitely kill him.

Since no one was buying from him and he'd die anyway if he returned home, Donald lit a match. Although the flame was extremely small and provided him with very little warmth, it was better than nothing. 

He saw a vision of a fireplace in the match's flame. He could feel the overwhelming warmth of the fireplace. But as the flame died out, the vision disappeared.

He struck another match and stared into the flame. This time, he saw a vision of a large cup of hot cocoa. Despite it just being a vision, it was as if he could taste the drink. He tasted the chocolate with hints of sweetness and cinnamon. He felt the drink warm his throat. He tasted the whipped cream on top and felt it give himself a slight whipped cream mustache.

His stomach growled as he lit a third match. In this vision, he saw a Christmas dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes, sausages, casserole, pie, cake, fruits, and a chocolate fountain. He could taste everything on his tongue and felt his stomach fill up.

He lit a fourth match and he nearly dropped it in shock. In the flame, he saw his mother. Sua Lee was smiling happily at him and wishing him a happy birthday. Donald quickly began to light the entire box of matches. He wanted to vision to last forever.

"Mom..." Donald whispered as he cried. "Mom...I love you. I want to see you again,"

Sua hugged him and as the final embers of the matches were extinguished, she whispered. "I love you too, Donald,"

Donald Na died in that alley at the midnight of Christmas Day. Despite his horrible condition, he died with a smile on his face. He was only twelve years old.