“What have you got there?”
“Special order for Daniel, in Minnesota!”
“Minnesota is too general, see? The original says Minnetrista.”
“Where?”
“Check the database. Where’s your tablet, Kringle?”
“Dammit, Rudolph, I’m a driver and a toymaker, not a techie,” He pulled his beard, frustrated.
Apologetic, Rudolph bumped his belly with an antler. “You’re also an innovator, Santa…the guy who saw promise in a young buck’s red nose.”
“I’m good with elves, but those consultants in the brown uniforms creep me out.”
“You’re fine. Just do your Ho-ho-ho routine, and go bravely into the dark.”
“Still guiding my sleigh, Rudolph…Thanks!”
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2018)
Carrot Ranch Prompt (11/29/2018): In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story using the phrase “into the dark.” What must a character face? Write about an encounter, journey, relationship, or quest. Follow the ship’s lights on gloomy seas. Go where the prompt leads you.
Microfiction Madness Prompt December: Write a Christmas themed flash fiction story or drabble (a 100 word story) based on the picture below:
Valley of the Trolls 
It’s good to have Rudolph to guide the sleigh.
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Definitely the right fella for the job!
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Indeed!
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Pingback: Into the Dark « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
Aw, I loved this, Liz! Ha, ha — and I don’t blame Santa for his mistrust of the consultants in brown!
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What a fun Flash, Liz. Love the addition of technology with the Santa traditions.
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Thanks Molly! Thought maybe too soon, but a friend reminded me that the consultants in brown have already been visiting~~
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Not too soon, Liz. There were Christmas decorations and promotions in stores before Halloween!!
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If you run into Kris, tell him Greg near Iowa, is hoping for a Farmal H tractor for Christmas, and, uh, he’s been waiting quite some time. I know the sleigh can only hold so much but my neighbor got a big green combine last Christmas despite being naughty and not nice. Just say’n.
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Ha ha! Checking the delivery records now…that tractor was signed for by some dude named…Stan?
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I knew it… I knew it.. I knew it…. I’m telling Stan that we have issues.
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Like, you didn’t already know that you guys have issues? 😮
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Is it that obvious?
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(nods enthusistically)
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Yep!
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Great response to the prompt, “into the dark.” I love the line, “Dammit, I’m a driver and a toymaker, Rudolph, not a techie,” He pulled his beard, frustrated.” Well written, thank you for sharing.
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(Tiny shades of Star Trek)
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