Holiday Jamboree!

“Greetings Gretchen,

You’re invited to Austin & Ashley’s Holiday Social at 888 Fernly Drive, Suite 200 on November 18, 2023. There will be two snowflakes hanging outside of the door. See you soon. The party starts at noon!”

I look down the hallway and see the snowflakes swaying back and forth subtly, as if someone had just arrived a few moments earlier than me.

I’m a little nervous, because I don’t really know what to expect; I have not met my sister’s new boyfriend yet, and my parents haven’t either. Ashley is usually super private about her relationships, so maybe she has finally found the one.

I walk up to the door and knock. No one answers, so I try the doorknob. It’s unlocked, so I open the door and step right on in. A draft is coming from the kitchen window.

There are party favors scattered around like an angry toddler decorated their flat. An emptiness permeates the entire place. I’m sure no one is home.

My phone is already in my palm, so I dial my sister’s number. The laundry basket starts ringing over in the corner. I calmly lower my phone from my ear. I feel an uneasy presence creeping up from behind, and I turn around slowly.

“Surprise! Happy belated birthday Gretchen! You hate birthday parties, and I knew you wouldn’t come unless you thought it was a holiday party. Oh, I’m single by the way!” Ashley screams as she dances by with her friends from college.

One of them has a speaker bigger than me. The music plays, and Ashley’s roommate pours me a drink. This is definitely the most fun I’ve had in a while, but it would’ve been nice to get a dose of holiday cheer…

***Author’s note: I know it’s been a while, but I’m back! It’s time for another challenge. I really miss reading entries. You all have always made selecting a winner so difficult.

The amount of talent I have come across on this platform by hosting these challenges is truly inspiring. Join me in my microfiction holiday fun!

Here’s the prompt: Write a microfiction story about a holiday party that went either terribly wrong or surprisingly well.

Your story cannot exceed 300 words, and it must be submitted to the fiction community to be considered.

🥇 1st place: $10.00

🥈 2nd place: $5.00

🥉 3rd place: $2.00

All winners will receive their awards as a tip on Vocal.

Submit your stories in the comment section down below by 12/06/2023.

Winners will be announced on 12/07/2023 in a separate post, so make sure you have subscribed to receive the notification.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

-R.P. ❤️