The List

The List.
By Stephen A Abell.

Number Of Words: 500



“This is fuckin’ insane Mike!” George bellowed, pushing past the teacher standing in his way.

“You gotta calm down Mr. McGuire, there’s nothing you can do about it now.” Mike’s hand came down hard on his shoulder and pulled him back. “The decision’s been made, and according to the new governmental directive your son has been chosen.”

“Fuck the governmental directive, this is my son!”

“Yes, Mr. McGuire, and you had ten years to eradicate this problem,” the teachers voice was as cold as his stare.

“So all this is my fault?” George stammered, watching his son jump off of Santa’s knee to be escorted away by two young female elves. “Is that what you’re trying to tell me? Is it?”

“I know this can be a trying time Mr. McGuire but...”

“You don’t know shit Sherlock.” George’s hand flashed to the waistband of his trousers and quickly pulled up his thick winter pullover to reveal the pistol hidden underneath.

“Gun!” Mike shouted towards the two men at the school entrance, “We have a gun here!” He pointed as George pulled the weapon free.

The hallway was suddenly alive with screaming parents diving to the floor, afraid of any hot lead flying their way. The two figures dressed in black bulletproof body suits dived onto George, felling him in one easy motion. Mike pressed the sole of his patent leather brogue down onto his hand, forcing him to release the grip on the automatic.

“Listen Mr. McG... George,” Mike’s voice softened as he leaned down to the prone man, “you’ll have one last chance to see David in Santa’s Grotto, before the judgment is carried out.”

“Judgment!” George scoffed, “You mean before you execute him, don’t you?”

Mike waved the security men away and held a hand out to help him up. “It’s the law, George. Not just here, but worldwide law.”

As George came upright a tear rolled out of his eye and ran down his cheek. “But why my son? He’s the only thing I got in this world.”

“He’s a bully, George. A possible menace to society.”

“He’s a mixed up kid who misses his mom, is what he is.”

“That may be, but Kath’s been gone for going on six years; don’t ya think, he should’ve been learning to cope by now? This year alone he’s broken two kids arms and he’s constantly pressuring the younger kids for their lunch money.

“This was his last chance George. You know the government keeps tabs on every kid throughout their lives. Every year they get to sit on Santa’s lap and tell it their wishes, while it asks its probing questions. You know that damned computer has so many sensors that nobody can lie to it.

“David lied... and above the allowed percentage.” Mike’s face broke from the stern to the concerned. “I am truly sorry George.

“Now... take a deep breath. Take that look off your face and smile. Then go and say goodbye to your son.”

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