Time again for another contest! This time, Susanna Hill's 10th Annual Holiday Contest! I wasn't sure I was going to make this one. I wanted to, but my writing life got unexpectedly crazy leading up to it and the words just weren't flowing. With more effort than I'd like to admit and the amazing support of my CPs, I luckily was able to complete my entry.
The Wish Tree
By Andrew Hacket
Word Count: 231
The warmth in our hearts helped us ignore the cold, as we fumbled and stumbled our way to Mr. Thomas’ house. The lack of his usual holiday adornment this year hadn’t gone unnoticed. In a neighborhood full of twinkling lights and flickering candles, his dark facade echoed a sadness he must be feeling.
So, there we were. Though our crunching, sunken footprints and an evergreen trail threatened to ruin our surprise, we worked steadily. Jewel-toned orbs and glittering pendants secretly lifted from our families’ boughs were now hung with hope upon our Wish Tree for Mr. Thomas.
With each ornament placed, a whispered wish was sent out into the world. I paused. Eyes closed, willing my wish into existence.
Others soon joined our small brigade until each member of our class was present and the trimmings complete.
Arm in arm and a bit off-pitch, we sang a song of hope, inviting Mr. Thomas to discover our efforts.
The house lights blinked on.
With tears in his eyes and a smile on his face, Mr. Thomas stepped out onto his porch, green foil box in hand.
He joined us by the tree as the last note was sung and ever so gently removed the lid.
Gleaming like crystal and refracting the lights into a million stars,
Mr. Thomas added his wish to the top of the tree.