Johnny raced to the Christmas tree, dropped to his knees, and looked for his name on the gifts. Mom sat cloaked in shadows beyond the glow of the lights.
“Can I open one, Mom?”
The mantle clock ticked.
“Please?”
He gave her puppy dog eyes.
“Mom?”
Her face dropped. Tears fell. She made the sounds of a dying animal.
Johnny went to her, ready to hug away the pain, but when he tried to embrace her, his hands came together, colliding clumsily, passing through his mom.
She stopped crying. Tilted her head to one side.
Johnny shimmered, smiled sadly, disappeared.
-------------------
My humble contribution to Advent Ghosts 2023, hosted by Loren Eaton on https://isawlightningfall.blogspot.com/
Whoa! You knocked it right outta the park, my friend! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patrick - looking forward to reading yours!
ReplyDeleteWhoa is right. At first I thought Mom was the ghost but now not so sure. So, good job.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Yvonne - the 100-word story is always a challenge for me.
ReplyDeleteA simple ghost story, but I really like it! Well done.
ReplyDelete