Fruits of Insanity

A Christmas Card

Decorating the camel was fun. I tied ribbons and bows to the harness, careful to avoid his mouth—he seemed to think my hair would make a good meal. He was a bad tempered creature. I talked soothingly to him, but he made a face and spit, narrowly missing my face. I’m good at ducking.

Getting aboard was less fun. He knelt, with a rough grace and a bad attitude. The owner helped me aboard and then climbed behind me. She was going to be in charge. It was either her or the camel after all. I certainly didn’t have any kind of control here. And then, the camel rose, like a baby giraffe, dazed and unsteady as it clambered up from its six foot drop.

As we walked, he swayed. I felt sick—and that’s all we can say about that. But it was going to make the best Christmas card ever.

I raised my fist in the air (Look, Mom. No Hands!) and grinned while the camel reached his nose out.

“Watch out!” I said to the photographer. “He thinks the lens is edible.”

Prompt 21
the week of December 20

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