Figuring it would be a good idea to get out of the chest, I found purchase on the sides and, with some effort, lifted myself out. It was a shortfall to the ground, and with some degree of grace, I landed softly on my face. Unhooking my feet from the rim of the chest, I made an effort to get up. Looking more like a crab than a human, I managed to finally stand.
As I approached the chest, the cover slammed shut, blocking any opportunity to see what was inside. Feeling grateful none of my fingers were on the edge when the lid fell, I tried the key in the lock once more.
This time it didn’t turn. Instead, there was a clicking sound like something electronic attempting to disengage the lock. I could almost imagine the same action as two magnets coming together exert their force field and as opposites repel, turn away from one another. Maybe that was what was happening inside the lock.
As I was standing there waiting for something to happen to the lock, I noticed what I thought was a butterfly overhead. On further observation, it turned out to be an envelope turning over and over as it drifted down toward my backyard. I reached up and snatched it from the air.
The lock clicked, and the chest popped open. I stood in wonder as a bright light hit me in the face, and confetti shot from the chest and rained down. A spring-loaded sign exploded up and away from the chest. It was still attached but waved back and forth like a figure just released from a jack in the box. The sign had a message that when the waving stopped, I could read.
Peace on Earth. Goodwill to Humankind is what it said. Music came from the chest, and after a few bars, I recognized the carol “Silent Night.”
I looked down at the envelope and tore it open. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “opposites.” Use the word “opposites” or write about things that are opposites. Have fun!
If you want to have, fun visit Linda Hill’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2021/12/17/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-18-2021/
Opposites by John W. Howell © 2021.
“Talk about opposites.”
“What?”
“How I think a story s going to end and how you end it.”
“You don’t like a holiday story.”
“It’s not that, but I was expecting some treasure in that chest.”
“You don’t think what was in there is a treasure?”
“It’s not gold or jewels.”
“Some would say it is better than gold or jewels.”
“You know Peace on Earth is never going to happen.”
“Unless enough wish it to happen.”
“Yeah, okay.”
“You sure don’t have the holiday spirit today.”
“Maybe you are right. I need to get with it.”
“I know what helps.”
“What?”
“A nice cup of eggnog.”
“Does sound good.”
“That sounds like a segway to the pub.”
“Where we always like to end this post.”
“Yeah. Let’s go. First, a Happy Holiday wish to all.”
“I’ll drink to that, but I don’t have anything to drink.”
“We are going already.”
Fiction Favorites 
You never let us down, John!
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Thank you, GP. 😁
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I still have the feeling that Christmas is somewhat far away. Probably I’m in opposition now to most people. 🙂
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Hahaha. Opposites have their place. Thanks, Rabirius.
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[…] Can I assume that you’d like to usher in the events of this wonderful season with a splash of John Howell’s Bourbon, cherries soaking by an open snifter of seltzer and a glass of ice nipping at your […]
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I like what was in the chest, John. Great ending, nicely done. Spice up that eggnog with a splash of bourbon – you’ve earned it, you’ve been a good blog boy this year. Wonderful Christmas wishes to you, The Producer and everyone in your family.
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Thank you Dan. Have a wonderful Christmas as well. 😁
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Well done, John! I hope you find that drink. Cheers! Happy Saturday!
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Happy Saturday to you, Jill. *Sung to the tune of Massachusetts by the BeeGees
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Wonderful Christmas wish, John, and your eggnog sure sounds inviting. I hope you and yours have a lovely weekend and a very merry Christmas. ❄🎄❄
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You as well, Gwen. Thank you. 😊
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Holiday spirit is rum, right? Isn’t that what goes into eggnog? Guess enough of that would create some form of Peace on Earth.
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As long as everyone passed out Rum would help Peace on Earth. Thanks, Charles.
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I always liked a bit of rum in my eggnog, but will yield to local custom. Merry Christmas, John.
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Rum works. Dark Jamaican for me.
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The old Christmas Carol trick . . . she is a mad scientist when it comes to presenting you with your latest challenge. Mission Impossible ain’t got nothing on her. . .
As for egg nog, I’ll toast with you.
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Cheers, Marc. 😁
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Salud!
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I’m going to set my sights on the treasure you found in that chest.
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I think we all should. Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John. I think so, too.
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😁
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Mmmmm…eggnog with a little brandy. Isn’t that the key to peace on earth…or at least a sound nap?
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Yes. As I mentioned to Charles. Peace on Earth would be possible if everyone passed out after too much egg nogg. 😁
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Happy Holidays, John. A fun story as always. Enjoy that eggnog, and I agree with the other comments – a bit of spirit in the eggnog sounds just right. 😀
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Yes indeed. Thanks, Diana. Happy Holidays
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Eggnog and Peace on Earth sound like the perfect holiday combination., John. Thanks for the good tidings!
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Thank you, Maggie. 😊
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Cheers!
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🍸
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That is the perfect treasure in any chest, John 🙂 Happy Holidays!
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Thank you, Denise. Happy Holidays to you.
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Your post in the spirit of the challenge is the opposite of a bad one. The blessings of the season upon you and yours. And peace might just not be so difficult if we focus on sharing peace instead of acquiring it. Now about that eggnog – cheers !
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Yes a toast to Peace and health, John. To you and yours.
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Nice, John, with the Peace on Earth Goodwill to Humankind sign popping out of the chest. Merry Christmas!
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Thank you, Tim. Merry Christmas to you.
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I think the message inside the chest is just perfect and better than silver or gold. Great post, John! Merry Christmas!
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Thank you, Jan.
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Love this, John, and the wonderful message. Cheers to you and your family for a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Eggnog sounds real good. 🙂
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Thank you, Lauren. 😁
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I will meet you down the pub John and we share some Christmas cheer 😅💜💜
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Which pub? Yours or mine?
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Both let’s make a night of it 😉
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Yay.
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😁😂😂😂
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Shoot. Yours closed at 11:00. Mine is open till 2:00. Need a fast plane.
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No problems I can arrange a lock in ….
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Oh well. That’s different. I’ll be right over.
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Okay!
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I’ve noticed a lot of pour posts end up at the pub. I like how you think.
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Yes, I like the pub.
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Wait a minute, did this really happen? I haven’t had eggnog in years. I should start adding some excitement to my life. Although, your stories do get the pulse beating faster 😎
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Yes make some egg nog. Here’s how. Go to the store and grab a quart from the dairy section. Hit it with a little brandy, bourbon, or rum, and you are in business.
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I just won’t tell the doc…
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Good plan.
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Salud to Peace on Earth,🥂
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Thak you, Cheryl. Merry Christmas. 🎄
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Merry Christmas!
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🎄
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The figure and sign that popped out of the chest was not what I expected. It was far better than gold. Super, John.
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Thank you, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John.
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