If another person wearing a saccharine smile oozed out a holiday greeting there would be blood.
Bell ringers stationed outside were avoided with military precision, as she zig-zagged through hordes of shoppers. Standing at center court, she was overwhelmed by a sea of hideous Christmas sweaters.
Music blared from every corner. The childish song lied. Santa didn’t know who was being naughty or nice, nor cared.
“I think this is yours,” a child materialized at her side, holding a tiny silver bell.
Accepting the gift on impulse, he left before she could react to his random act of kindness.
The 100 Word Challenge, a writing prompt founded by Velvet Verbosity, takes a single theme to tell a story in only 100 words ~ no more, no less. This week’s theme is ‘Act.’
Thin spiral notebook 
OK, chica, I’m feeling better now about IMSO. Lovely, classy, a wonderful space for your creativity! 🙂
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I like thin spiral notebook better.
AS far as your 100 words go, I agree with vel the first paragraph is funny, and moving. Thanks for being good at writing, tara.
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Love your new home, and the picture is amazing.
I’ll take the little boy’s bell out to the mall with me. Maybe thinking of it will keep me from getting too snarly.
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well said. The gift at the end – nice touch – rounded out the story. 🙂 Thanks
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I love that picture, the one pop of color in a white cold world. perfect!
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Oh, I like it here. I like it a lot.
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LOVED this. What a perfect piece for the season. Definitely made me smile today.
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That brilliant green on white sand, a beautiful contrast.
Love that you’re starting fresh, creating a new space on your own terms. Good energy here ❤
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Beautiful. As usual. As for the new digs, ditto!!!
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Love the new digs! I’m a fan of simple, elegant design. My one teeny little critique would be to make the photos larger. Highlight your talent!
As for the piece, favorite line = “If another person wearing a saccharine smile oozed out a holiday greeting there would be blood.” Ahaha. So sad and cynical, but I’ve had those moments. And so much the better when a small act breaks me of it, brings me blinking and startled back into the light.
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