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.”
