"Secret Santa" by Sartorius
Genre: horror, thriller
Klara was accustomed to getting anything she wanted for Christmas. An only child of wealthy parents usually did. Last year, Santa had gifted her a rideable backyard train set. Exactly what she’d asked for.
Because Daddy said Klara was special, Mr. Claus always paid the young girl a personal visit the day after Thanksgiving. Every year. Sitting on his lap, she could state specifically what her surprise should be on that special December day. The jolly man dressed in red had only one rule (an exclusive for Klara) – one present per Christmas. No exceptions. When she attempted to negotiate, Daddy jumped in and took Santa’s side. The rule was the rule.
Image Description: Santa Clause. He is visible from the shoulders-up. Small, square spectacles sit on the tip of his nose. He has a bushy, white beard and is wearing a red stocking cap with fluffy, white trim. He is surrounded by twinkling lights.
Credit: Srikanta H. U / Unsplash
Not fair, Klara’s mind echoed. Santa brought the other kids in the neighborhood multiple gifts, albeit not as nice as the one she received. “A reasonable tradeoff,” Daddy said. Klara thought not. Rules and regulations were broken all the time. Even Daddy’s girl knew about politicians.
When fall arrived, Klara began thinking about how to circumvent Santa’s regulation. Yes, at the ripe old age of eight she knew the meaning of that big word. Daddy used it a lot around tax time; so did the family accountant. Her vocabulary was not surprising. Klara, a very bright girl, inherited Mommy’s brains - just ask them. Within a week of imagining a variety of alternatives, she’d decided on a plan. A fool proof one.
Nestled into Santa’s lap on a crisp post-Thanksgiving morning, Klara responded to the usual query, “What do you want for Christmas this year, Klara?” Mr. Claus was too intimidated to ask if she’d been a good little girl.
“I want you as a present. I also want a big playhouse where you can stay.”
On Christmas morning it was just Daddy and daughter; Mommy had to work. Klara excitedly ran outside to her new playhouse, but when she entered – empty. Daddy followed her in, showing her the secret panel not even Mommy knew about. Inside, sat Santa.
Klara figured it out immediately. Although Mommy, the neurosurgeon, was the primary breadwinner in the family, Daddy did quite well for himself, too.
His taxidermy business was booming.
About the Author
An ostensibly MBA corporate type with an artist’s soul, Sartorius makes time to write both short stories and music lyrics. His The Missing Case of the Missing Case and Boo Hag have been published in anthologies. Several tales have been published in recent horror zines. His songs can be found on conventional venues such as Amazon, Apple Music, and Spotify, including his new comedic satire, "Ha-Ha in the Ca-Ca." Another tune, "Feeling Left Out," was judged a finalist in the 2023 USA Songwriting Competition.
Add comment
Comments