BlogFestivus 2012: a seasonal short story writing challenge.
Once again, I am taking part in Blogdramedy‘s writing challenge. Her requirements were minimal, which meant it was a good fit for me. First, we are required to write nine stories for the next nine days (Dec. 11th – Dec. 19th). Second, we were only required to come up with 243 words per story. Third and final, we must write about the nine reindeer who are founding members of the Reindeer of the Icelandic Antler Club, which includes Rudolph.
I hope you enjoy my first installment, and may you return for the eight remaining installments to come.
.:.
Dasher was dumfounded. Alone he asked “How could this happen? All these years we were kidding. We were only kidding. He knew this. Surely, he knew this.”
He looked at the letter again, shaking his head. The sleigh bells dangling from his neck jingled a not-so ring ting tingling tune. Frustrated, he aggressively bowed his head and caused the sleigh bells to hit the floor with such a clatter.
He didn’t like what he was feeling. His hooves stood solidly on the floor, even as the question crossed his mind. “What if it wasn’t too late?” But he did not race out the door. He did not dash to help.
He looked out the window. The weather outside was frightful, and the forecast did not look delightful. “The others? What’ll I tell the others?” He wondered if they received a letter, too.
Glancing at the calendar he noted the day, December 11th. Only a few days remained until the big night. He had to believe they’d think of a plan. He had to believe they would be OK. “Besides,” he said aloud. “We’re the origin-” He cut himself short. He wanted this to happen.
He took a deep breath and blew it out hard. Picking up the phone, he called one of his partners. “Hey. It’s Dasher. Listen, I need to come by and talk to you. Face to face. Is now a good time?” He hung up and headed for the door.
.:.
Lenore's Thoughts Exactly 
Oh boy! A cliffhanger… I love, love, love serials. Bring it!
I’m bringing it, BD! That is – I hope I am bringing it. Goodness knows I lose things all the time.
Luv it!
Thank you. It’s so good to be writing with you again, Katy!
Oh, I have to know what happens!
Welcome Undercover – thank you for visiting. I hope you like the remaining days. I am getting more and more nervous with each comment.
Fantastic!
Thank you, RR. Thank you very much. I appreciate you visiting, too.
That’s one way to keep us comin’ back! I gotta know what happens! Poor Dasher!
The pressure to keep it going. Must continue. Must. continue.
And now we’re all dumbfounded–bring it on!
Oh, I hope I can bring it, Patti. I’m going to try!
Wait — what? You’re LEAVING ME HANGING!
Good job, Lenore. We always think of Santa, now we have the reindeer filled with emotion…
Blessings ~ Maxi
I’m here to entertain, Maxi. (smile) Santa needs to take the backseat for a while.
Blessings to you, too.
Yep. For oh…about 9 days. 🙂
I love a mystery. Hope you won’t keep us hanging too long, though. 🙂
As my sister said, I’ll keep you hanging until the end. I hope I don’t disappoint with the ending. I may hear the groans all the way over here, I’m afraid.
Oh, and welcome to the neighborhood. I greatly appreciate your visits.
A mystery! Sweet.
Col. Mustard in the Lounge with the Rope. If it were only that easy. 🙂
lol. This better be good, Lenore! So far, so good, but I hate being let down!! Sarahneeve, I believe Lenore will keep us hanging for 9 days!
This better be good!
smiling,
c
I hope it is good. The ending came to me before the beginning did, and I fear the more time I have to think about the ending the greater the risk I may muck it up.
You’re going for a story arc. That never occurred to me! Keeps me coming back for more. 😉
I hope you continue to come back and are not disappointed with how it ends. I get more and more nervous with every comment.
What’s next? I’m on the edge of my sleigh!
Ha! I see what you did there, Peg! You ‘sleigh’ me!
What a start, Ms. D!
I’m already hooked!
🙂
My apologies in advance. 😉
Brilliant!:)
Thank you, Elle. I appreciate you visiting, and I am glad you liked it.
I’m hooked Lenore. Off I am to read more!
Thank you for reading, Joe. I am glad you like it.