A story a day until there’s a sleigh! This holiday season, I’m sharing a new flash fiction piece inspired by a holiday song every day of December until Christmas. Today’s story is inspired by Hard Candy Christmas.
“You better not lick that!”
“I want candy.”
Marla grabbed Jackie’s hand and yanked him back to her side.
“Candy is for good boys and you’re being naughty.”
Jackie stomped his feet and his face scrunched up in tears.
“I want big candy!”
“Maybe if you sit still like a good boy you’ll get a piece of candy later.”
“I want candy now!”
Jackie pulled free from Marla’s hand and dashed away toward the object of his desire. A bell rang behind her as a door swung open.
“You better not lick that!”
Marla turned toward the man who’d called out. “I’m sorry, sir.”
“Happens all the time,” he replied. “Now are you coming in for a haircut or what?”
“As soon as he realizes that barber pole isn’t made with sugar.”
Sarah Zureick-Brown 