Short Stories

A Christmas Parody (pt 2)

Char smiles, hanging mistletoe over the fireplace. "Thank you again, Cupid, everyone seems so busy, it's nice to know why."

"Of course dear, it's always a fun time with you around! I apologize for Lynx's behavior." He bows.

"That's the fourth time you've apologized for him, Cupid, he's a grump and sometimes I forget that." Char shrugs, her smile soft and polite, " And you know how I feel about the bowing."

Cupid flinches a bit, but smiles back, " Right, sorry."

Charlotte hugs him, " You're family, you don't have to fit in and you sure as hell don't have to apologize."

Lynx rolls his eyes, putting down his work folder. The walls were thin, everything said in the entrance room could be heard in both his and Charlotte's room, forcing Lynx to hear it all.

He lays his head and closes his eyes, in hopes over drowning out the sickeningly sweet preaching.

The world around him spins, as he slowly comes around. A face stands over him with a sarcastic smile.

"Took you long enough you grouch, I was thinking Death might've gotten to you first!"

The stranger picks him up and puts him on his feet, "Well at least you're up! My name is Time, and you're almost out of it."

"What are you talking about?" Lynx questions, crossing his arms.

"Don't worry about that now, we don't have too long!" Time grabs Lynx's arm as a blinding crimson burst surrounds the two.

Lynx covers his eyes with his free hand, blocking out the bright light, but once his arm lowers, his body goes stiff.

"Mom?" Lynx runs to her and tries to give her a hug, to his dismay, he goes right through her.

Time grabs Lynx before he can fall.

"She can't see or hear us, no one can," Time releases Lynx and walks around the decorated room. Popcorn strings and tinsel hung with bright ornaments of all shapes and sizes, covering a small pine tree, brightly wrapped boxes underneath it. Lights strung all across the room illuminating it with red, yellow and green, tinsel hanging off shelves and glimmering in the colorful lights. Lynx's mother is tending to the fireplace, gently pouring water on the blazing logs and humming sweetly.

A door slams open, making her drop the container. A small Lynx runs in and jumps up into her arms.

"Hello my dear!" Widow says sweetly, "Why are you up so late? Santa comes in a few hours."

Little Lynx just giggles, hiding something in his hands. 

"What's so funny? I'll give you something to laugh about!" She says as she starts tickling the defenseless boy. His giggles ring out as he drops a small poorly wrapped box.

"Oh what's that?" She stops tickling him and looks at it.

"I made it!" The small boy jumps down and picks up the box. "It's for you mommy!" He gleefully grins handing it to her, "Open it! Open it!"

She carefully tears open the black wrapping paper and opens the small box to reveal a bracelet.

It is made of fake gold and silver beads shaped like skulls with magical particles floating around it.

She kisses his head, " It's despicably evil sweetie," She puts it on and pulls little Lynx close into a hug.

Time freezes the moment, "You are such a cute kid!" He laughs lightly and walks to the tree, "Did you help decorate?" He looks to Lynx, who nods weakly, still staring at his mother.

"What was her name again?" He floats around the area with a wicked smile, "Oh yes, Widow, what a lovely name." He plays with the tinsel and pokes the strung up lights, then lands.

Time circles the frozen two, "She was a lovely lady," He looks back to Lynx, who is barely keeping himself from crying.

"Shut. Up." Lynx growls at Time, "Return me and never bother me again." His hands are balled in a fist, his face a saddened scowl.

Time shrugs and laughs, " We all run out of time, Lynx," He floats over to Lynx and pokes his nose, "You hold to your past, maybe you'll spend your present a bit wiser."