The rules of this is to tag four more writers to write a short holiday story. My choices are below:
1- Anna K. Lanier
2- Phyllis Campbell
3- Chris Redding
4- Yvonne Walus
Santa the Tooth Fairy
Little Kayla sat near the Christmas tree and wiggled her lose tooth. She stopped and turned her attention from the crackling fire beyond the hearth. “Mommy, if I pull my tooth, do you think Santa will leave me a dollar.”Her mother laughed. “I think you have things mixed up, honey. It’s the tooth fairy who leaves money.”
Kayla cocked her head and flashed that familiar look of independence. “I know that, Mommy! But if my tooth falls out at tonight, maybe Santa will reward me, too. I’m not sure if the Tooth Fairy works on Christmas Eve.”
Although only four, the child had a penchant for being creative. Margaret Tanner put her knitting aside and walked past her daughter to the fireplace. She poked at the logs and sent flaming fingers stretching up the chimney. “I don’t think Santa will have time to look under your pillow. You know, he’s very busy this time of year.” She walked back to her chair.
The front door opened, and a blast of cold air flickered the fire. “Daddy, daddy,” Kayla called, rushing over and grabbing him around the knees.
He ruffled her hair with his gloved hand. “Hi, Sweetheart. Let me get out of my coat and I’ll give you a hug. It’s cold outside.” He shrugged off his outerwear, sending snow flaking to the marbled entry hall floor, and after hanging his coat in a nearby closet, he scooped Kayla into his arms and nuzzled her neck until she giggled. Stopping, he leaned his head back. “Have you been a good girl today?”
“Oh yes, Daddy, and I’ve decided you can pull my loose tooth.”
He flashed a puzzled look at his wife.
She smiled. “We’ve already discussed the tooth fairy, but Kayla seems to think Santa should play a part.”
He placed Kayla on the ground, took her hand, and walked to his plaid recliner. Sitting, with her perched on his knee, he scratched his brow. “Why don’t we just wait until that tooth falls out on its own? There’s no rush.”
“But, I want you to pull it.” Her eyes clouded with tears and her little bow lips pulled into a pout.
“Then, let me see.” He took hold of the loose tooth and wiggled it. “You’re right. I think it could come out.” Russell Tanner ruffled her hair again.
“Then pull it, Daddy.” She scrunched her eyes closed and hunched her shoulders.
“I already did.” He held up a tiny, white enamel pearl.
Her eyes widened. She smacked her lips, then made a face. A wee bit of blood dotted her bottom lip.
“Come on, Kayla, let’s rinse out your mouth and get you ready for bed. Santa comes tonight and if you aren’t asleep, he’ll just pass us by.”
Kayla slid off her father’s knee and flashed a smile. She looked adorable with a space where her tooth was just minutes ago. “Thank you, Daddy. I wanted to see if Santa will leave me a dollar so I can put it in the offering plate at church tomorrow. It’s Jesus’ birthday and I want to leave him a gift.”
THE END
By the way, my story is dedicated to the memory of my father who always could pull a tooth without my knowing it. I can't believe how many times I fell for, Just let me feel how loose it is." I miss you, Daddy. I wish you could hear you say those familiar Christmas words..."Let's open JUST one."
Oh Ginger. Although I loved your story and the meaning behind this little girl's eagerness to pull that tooth, it was your very last sentences to your dad that made me cry. My dad, too, passed away on April 16, 2007 and what I would give to hear, see, smell, feel him hug me again.
ReplyDeleteChristmas was his very favorite time of the year and he'd merrily sing Silent Night throughout the holiday season.
To our dads, our personal guardian angels. We love you.
Ginger,
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story -- and how beautifully it illustrates the real meaning of Christmas.
I loved the story, Ginger. It brings back many good childhood memories!
ReplyDeleteDeb :-)
I, too, teared at the comment about your dad. Mine passed on Halloween. I sometimes wonder if he choose the date, because he would have thought that a hoot. I remember my brothers out on the porch handing out candy to kids with the hearse in front of the house. My brothers were asking, 'Hey, kid, want to see a body?'
ReplyDeleteI'll tell your story to my granddaughter as a bedtime story. She'll love it.
What a sweet story! I wish I could take you up on that challenge of writing a short story. I don't have it in me to write something so short. LOL
ReplyDelete~Phyllis~
Hi Ginger,
ReplyDeleteWonderful Christmas story. Ooh and I was in it, probably inadvertantly, but I'll take any publicitity I can get. Pity I didn't have a little daughter, I only had 3 sons, still I've got a sweet little grand daughter,
Margaret,
ReplyDeleteI sometimes plop in a name of a friend. Phyllis is in my current YA manuscript as the author of a book the heroine is reading. :)
Ginger
Ginger
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little story, but I#m afraid the plaid recliner has gotta go!
Have a Great Christmas, your first in your cute new house. Much love to you, Kelley and Gwen
XXXX
Ahhhh, loose teeth huh,.. I always saw it coming with the monofillament fishing line tied to the doorknob move, then my Dad would roundhouse kick the door closed, Always a classic. Followed by, "heres a washcloth, go watch cartoons. You might tell them about the "linclon log" incident.
ReplyDeleteOooh,Oooh,Oooh...Or the "baseball, lips stuck to the braces" fiasco. Always a crowd pleaser.
Why does the word varification have a handicap sign next to it? I don't see a ramp.
Lovely story, Ginger!
ReplyDeleteIt seems to be an epidemic - I lost my dad this year, too, on May 2nd, his birthday. I can't feel too much regret. He had a long and happy life and died quickly and easily. But of course, I miss him.
Happy Holidays!