The depth of short stories and micro-fiction 2

The Unlikely Santa Claus: A Monster's Odyssey

In a realm where shadows whispered secrets and magic flickered in the air, there lived an extraordinary man named Harry. Unknown to his loving wife and innocent daughter, Harry possessed a dark secret: he was the most powerful monster the world had ever known, imprisoned in a human form.

Beneath his gentle demeanour and mundane existence lay an unyielding spirit, bound by a curse that he patiently endured for centuries. His true nature, however, had not extinguished the flame of his parental love. When his beloved daughter expressed her heartfelt desire for a unicorn for Christmas, Harry's resolve ignited.

The laughter of his wife, dismissing her daughter's dream as a childish fantasy, fell upon deaf ears. For Harry, his daughter's wish held a profound meaning. It was a reminder of the innocence and wonder that he had long ago lost.

He immersed himself in the ancient texts of his monstrous heritage, meticulously studying the secrets of summoning and controlling magical creatures. Night after night, he ventured into the labyrinthine dungeons beneath their home, his eyes glowing eerily in the darkness as he conjured forth ethereal runes and chanted forbidden incantations.

As the days dwindled, Harry's preparations reached their peak. On the eve of Christmas Eve, he ventured to the outskirts of a nearby forest, a place said to be haunted by otherworldly beings. As the moon cast an ethereal glow upon the ancient trees, he performed the final ritual.

With a surge of forbidden energy, the earth trembled, and the air crackled with anticipation. A swirling vortex appeared before Harry, and out of it emerged a magnificent creature. Its coat shimmered like the finest silver, its mane and tail flowing like silken waterfalls. Its eyes held an intelligence that belied its mythical nature.

Harry had summoned a true unicorn.

Overwhelmed with joy and determination, Harry mounted the unicorn and galloped through the forest, his laughter echoing through the starlit night. He had fulfilled his promise to his daughter, no matter the cost.

As dawn approached, Harry returned home and placed the unicorn in the stable. He whispered a gentle enchantment upon the creature, ensuring that it would be invisible to all but his daughter. With a heavy heart, he watched as his beloved unicorn disappeared, knowing that he could never reveal his true nature to his family.

On Christmas morning, his daughter awoke to find a note beneath the tree. It read:

"To my dearest daughter,

Your wish has come true. Your unicorn awaits you in the stable. Remember, you are special, and never let anyone tell you otherwise.

With all my love,

Daddy"

As his daughter's eyes widened in amazement, Harry's heart soared. He had given her the gift of joy, and in doing so, he had found redemption for his own tormented soul.

From that day forward, Harry continued to live his double life, the monster trapped within the man. But his secret held a new meaning. It was a testament to the power of love and the lengths he would go to protect the innocence and happiness of his family.

And so, in the hidden depths of his monstrous heart, Harry found solace in the unwavering love of his daughter and the knowledge that he had fulfilled her greatest dream.