Time once again for Friday Fictioneers.
Rochelle has offered up this photo challenge.
This is my 100-word response.
This can’t be the right place.
Checked my text message again; yeah, it’s the correct address.
In all my years as Santa Claus, I’ve been sent to a few places that tore my heart out but they were castles compared to this.
Broken windows could only mean no heat. No lights – obviously no electricity.
My white-gloved hand grabbed the fence and it shook as my anger began to rise. How do people exist like this? Why is homelessness allowed to continue?
Dammit! Better get a grip and do my job. Can’t have these sweet kids going without yet another night.
NAR © 2023
100 Words
From 1984, this is “Do They Know It’s Christmas” from Band Aid
This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section. NAR © 2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Ah yes. Behind all the festivities, there still exists this poverty and suffering. It shouldn’t be. Good on you for the reminder.
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Thank you, Margaret. You’re so right; it shouldn’t be.
This is a disturbing societal situation that can be remedied.
A glaringly obvious case of the haves vs the have nots. Unforgivable!
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I wish Santa could bring them more than warm sleeping bags and boxes of food. He’s right, nobody should have to live in a vacant building without basic utilities 😦
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Me too, Lisa. That would really be awesome!
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Apparently, Santa didn’t the memo. They’re no longer homeless. They’re now unhoused, which obviously solves the problem. No worries, Santa. We’re on top of it.
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Oh, that’s right! Damn! How did I let that slip by?!
“Unhoused” is so much more woke, isn’t it? (A word I swore I would never use!)
“Fear not, all ye street dwellers for I bring tidings of great joy. Ye are no longer homeless; nay, I say. Ye shall forthwith be known as the “unhoused”.
Yeah, that’s much better. Damn!
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Yep because changing the words fixes the problems.
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Dear Nancy,
A compassionate Santa indeed. Lovely, but tragic story.
Christmas Shalom,
Rochelle
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Tragic, very much so.
I’m afraid Santa is just a band aid.
Thank you, Rochelle.
Shalom ✌🏼
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Happy holidays and a Merry time to all during this festive season.
You may consider a visit to Literally Stories https://literallystories2014.com an interest read. The site is featuring a rerun of their favourite seasonal stories, for the one on each day over the holiday. You may enjoy the variety. Well, it is the time to be jolly.
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Hi, James and Happy Holidays to you as well!
Sorry for the delayed response; I found this comment in spam.
I have no idea why these things happen!
Hope you had a lovely Christmas. Thanks for your good wishes.
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That’s sad. Good for Santa though, he’ll go anywhere.
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It is sad – sad but true.
What would we so without Santa?
Merry Christmas, Sandra.
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Good on ya, Santa !<3 100 power-packed words! Good job! Love the video (they all look so young!!)
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Thanks so much! I appreciate your comments.
They all look so young; that was exactly my thought!
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Good of him to get a grip and take care of these poor folk.
Nicely done, Nancy!
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Thanks, Dale. You gotta believe!
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Absolutely!
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You have touched upon a touching issue.
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It certainly is that, KK.
In every city all over the world homelessness exists.
What a sad commentary on society today.
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Oh Nancy, you know how to persuade (my last comment) and evoke emotions. Thank you for this. Your story and the music. 💞
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You are always so complimentary, Michele. Thank you!
All I can do is the best I can do and hope it looks
as good on paper as it does in my head!
Wishing you a Joyous Christmas! 🌟
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I am a fan! ✍🏻 🙏🏻 Enjoy! 🎄
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I’ve never thought about this POV for Santa. It would be heart wrenching.
Very original story.
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I never did either, Dawn, until the other day.
It’s quite amazing how these prompts affect us.
Thanks for your comments. I’m glad you enjoyed my story.
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I agree, 90% of the time I just start writing, not really knowing where I am going until I get there.
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I wonder how many of our so-called great authors felt the same way. Well, someone came up with the term “writer’s block”!
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Oh, that happens too!
But it is a lot easier to write 100 words than 50,000 +. lol
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Rarely have 100 words said so much, sis.
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Thanks, sis. No one likes to talk about it.
Look the other way and it will cease to exist. 😢
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Glad the old guy visits everywhere.
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Me too, James!
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Santa’s going to be extra busy this year.
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Looks that way, Glyn!
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Nancy,
Your narrative powerfully highlights the stark conditions faced by some. The urgency to ensure joy for the children amidst adversity resonates strongly in your concise yet impactful words.
~David
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Thanks so much, David!
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Beautiful N. I particularly love the white glove image with its various meanings. Nicely done.
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Thanks, D, and I’m glad you caught that.
I originally just had ‘glove’ but changed it!
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Wise!
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There’s only so much Santa can do, but at least it’s something!
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If only, Iain. If only.
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I’m glad I’m already home for Christmas and don’t have to pack up and go anywhere. And no one is coming.
Homeless can mean just as you described in the story. Or it can mean not having anyone to come or anyplace to go on what should be the best day of the year.
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You’re right, Sighs, and that is one of the interpretations of the title of my story …. instead of going with the expected “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”.
I wish you a comfy, cozy and very Merry Christmas this year. May it be everything you hoped it would be! 🎄
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So much power in the brief, brilliant lightning flashes of imagery! Loved this timely piece.
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Thanks, Liz!
The best thoughts come to me
in the still moments of early morning.
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As we see…🤗🐧
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Perhaps The Kinks “Father Christmas” would go along with this story..
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Ah, The Kinks! A favorite group …. in fact we saw them perform live more often than any other group.
I love when my readers suggest other videos to me. Thanks, Trent; it gives me a chance to do this:
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Yep, great group and a song. And your story reminded me of this part:
Have yourself a merry merry Christmas
Have yourself a good time
But remember the kids who got nothin’
While you’re drinkin’ down your wine
We do need to remember them.
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More than ever. 🫶🏼
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I wonder who Santa will put on his naughty list after this anger
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I’m sure he’s got a few names in mind, Neil.
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Homelessness! There is so much homelessness nowadays! Its just so awful!
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It’s a scourge that can be easily remedied.
The gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ is staggering.
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I agree! More should be done to remedy it!
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Aww, what a heartbreaking scenario
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What’s truly heartbreaking, Sadje, is how the homeless situation is “allowed” to perpetuate.
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It is! We have many buildings here lying vacant but they would never be used to house the homeless
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Damn straight, Santa!
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Damn straight, Nick!
❤︎
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