Along the way, I have written a holiday-themed short story or two based on writing prompts. In the spirit of the season, I thought I would share them with you.

The first story is based on a prompt from the Facebook group Writers Unite! writing exercise called What’s Next? In this exercise, the first sentence is given and there is a 500-word limit.

Hope you enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Summer Vacation

D. A. Ratliff

I wandered for hours until I stumbled on a wood-planked pathway leading to a door that appeared set into a tree. A huge pine tree, its scent overpowering. I was tired, thirsty, and hunger pangs gnawed at my ribs. Foolish me, I walked off the path my fellow hikers were taking, and here I was—lost.

There could be food and water in the treehouse or a serial killer. Either way, I was no worse off than I was now. I crossed the sun-dappled wooden bridge, noting a silver bell hung beside the doorway. On a whim, I rang it. A crisp tone sounded, and I heard twittering sounds inside the house. I tensed up as a door latch creaked.

The door opened, revealing a man with white hair and startling blue eyes. “Hello, young man, what can we do for you?’

There was a bustle of sound behind him, and a gray-haired woman with a warm smile brushed past him. “Nick, where are your manners? This young man is thirsty and hungry. He must eat.”  She led me to a rustic wood table and motioned me to sit.

The treehouse was cozy and filled with furnishings covered in quaint, flowery fabric. There was greenery everywhere and numerous photos of children, some next to Christmas trees and some in elf costumes. This family must love the holidays.

Nick sat next to me. “Tell us what brought you to the Bay of Fundy.”

“Some friends and I came to the Fundy National Park to hike before our senior year at college back in the states. I wandered off and got lost.”

The man nodded. “We vacation here every summer. Beautiful place to hike.”

“Nick, let the boy eat.” She placed a hearty bowl of vegetable soup and crusty bread in front of me, along with berry-flavored tea. I dug in, ravenous, and when I finally took a breath, I saw her beaming at me.

“Ma’am, this is the best soup I’ve ever had, and this tea is incredible.”

“Thank you. Please, call me Holly.” She poured more tea. “Your friends are quite worried about you.”

“How do you know?”

A sheepish look spread across Holly’s face. “I just know they are.” She turned to Nick. “You need to make arrangements to return this boy to his friends.” To me, she pointed to the soup bowl. “Finish and then dessert.”

While I finished eating, I caught a glimpse of something scurrying in the corner. An impression of a red pointed hat and the tinkling of bells, and then it was gone.

Holly smiled as she placed a piece of spice cake on the table. “Enjoy.”

I was about to ask for seconds when a cloud of glittering dust fell in front of me, and the room faded.

I woke up surrounded by my friends. They were full of questions, but a suspicion formed in my mind. Through the trees, I spotted a small creature wearing a pointed hat. An elf? It couldn’t be. Then I felt something in my pocket, a Christmas cookie, and a note.

Nice to meet you, Kevin. Nick and Holly Clause.

I realized I never told them my name, but the Clauses knew.