Not Even a Mouse

Molly stared at the twinkling tree. She imagined being a mouse, like in the story, stirring. She thought that word was funny. The shiny red bulbs reflected the light and made it dance on the wall. She smiled. Her little paws beneath her. She started to climb.

She jumped from branch to branch, making faces in the glittering bells. Her tummy wiggled and a chattering sound came out of her mouth. So, that’s why they do that. They’re laughing.

The whiskers felt funny as her nose twitched. Something… smelled good. She glanced with her beady little eyes this way and that and scurried out on a branch. She sniffed the air and twitched her new tail. Smells like a candy cane!

She spotted the dangling candy. Her nose twitched some more. She bounded out and punched her sharp little teeth through the plastic, tasting the sweet sugary treat. Now that’s what I call holiday cheer! Her little tongue licked and licked. She thought she might look like a snake. She giggled at the thought. Don’t snakes eat mice?

She tired of the taste and leaped up a few branches -- adorned with a little Santa, a shiny silver star, and a merry-go-round horse. She peered up at the glowing angel. She’s pretty. Her dress shines even in the dark.

“That's right Molly. I’m a Christmas angel. And your tiny wish has come true. You got to stir just like the mouse in the story. Santa will be here soon.”

“He will?” Molly’s eyes widened.

“He knows you’re here. He’s part of the mystery.”

Molly frowned. “Awww. I want to see Santa.”

“He’ll see you. Now it’s time to sleep.”


Molly’s father picked up the sleeping girl. She smiled in her grogginess, with candy cane still smeared upon her lips.


300 Words
Flash Story Must contain: Mystery, Climb, Cheer