I'll Be Home for Christmas

*This is another story was written for the barnesandnoble.com presents...Write & Win Contests. topic, Holidays. The rules, in short, were that the story had to mention the topic, and be 250 words or less. This story also took first place in the contest.


It was incredibly cold in the house, but that was okay. At least, Aaron thought to himself, he was home.

There was a stocking hanging on the fireplace with his name on it. His mom was there, by the fireplace, smiling happily because he was home. Dad and his brother John were at the table playing chess, and his high school sweetheart was here by his side.

What was a little chill compared to being home for Christmas, when so many others were still on the front lines? He shivered again. He'd escaped the sand and the heat and the war for a little while. He was one of the lucky ones who got to be home with his family.

His mom came over and took his hand and started singing "Silent Night", and soon everyone joined in, including Aaron.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"How's his fever Sergeant?"

"It's risen two degrees, Sir. We can't get it down. He's developed bad chills, and the shivering is making his fever rise."

The doctor looked over the young man in the cot. His face was flushed, and his lips were cracked. He was shaking even in the high desert heat. Yet, he almost seemed to be smiling.

He noticed the soldier seemed to be mumbling something…

"Sergeant, has he been speaking?"

"Kinda Sir. He's singing Christmas carols. They say he won't last 'til morning."

The doctor shook his head and turned away sadly, "Another one who won't get to go home for the winter holidays."


~December 27, 2004