The landlady dropped by to see me on Christmas day. She wore a black dress that contrasted sharply with the fresh snow. She narrowed her small eyes and informed me that I had left the front door open all night long. I smiled and told her that we had left the door open on purpose, that it was a long standing tradition in our family. Years ago, on Christmas Eve, my wife and I had fallen asleep and accidentally left the door wide open. I remember the way that it had colored my dreams; the glow emanating through the doorway, the falling snow in the misted light, the vapors curling their way through the dark corridors, everything as soft as the wings of angels. We had never slept so well in all our lives. More miraculous even than the fact that we weren't robbed as we slept, was the fact that the house stayed warm and comfortable through-out the night. Ever since then, that experience had come to embody everything Christmas meant to us. So, we left the door wide open on Christmas Eve every year thereafter. The landlady listened to all this with one eyebrow cocked skeptically, and then she just walked off shaking her head.
“Stupid Boy!”
2 days ago
Hits the spot! Something right about it, as though it ought to be true. Like Santa Claus.
ReplyDeleteHa, I almost want to try it...almost.
DeleteSo I sat back for a minute and thought about this, trying to come up with something witty to post in response and it's not coming. Sometimes you write and I just can't get beyond what you're able to do with words, whether dreams or anecdotes or stories or what have you. Today is one of those days. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteThat'll work ;D
DeleteThanks.
Sort of reminds me of the Jewish tradition of leaving the door open for Elijah during the Passover seder.
ReplyDeleteReally? I'd never heard of that.
DeleteVery nicely written sir.
ReplyDeleteThank you, sir.
DeleteI was thinking that maybe I was overdoing it in a few places. I think that a lot of times, though. As Vincent up there knows (and agrees), I prefer understatement.
Simply and elegantly portrayed. Almost convincing enough to make me want to try it myself. And that would come to no good in this neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteBut nicely done.
The biggest thing I would worry about is that one of my critters would run away. My one fat furry cat tries to slip out the door all the time as it is.
DeleteFat old Daisy would waddle up to the door and look then go lay back down on her blankie. But DJ would be out the door like a shot and probably lost. She's not very bright.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how they have different personalities. I have one that's absolutely terrified of going outside.
DeleteDaisy wouldn't want to get too far from her dish or her blankie. She's old and lazy. But DJ is still a pup and the whole world is an adventure.
DeleteLandladies are notoriously unsentimental! It's a job requirement. I followed over from Brent's blog. Have a great New Year, Roland
ReplyDeleteHey there, Roland.
DeleteYes, landladies a bitter bunch :D
I think this one was related to the old pawnbroker in Crime & Punishment.
Timeless. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you.
ReplyDelete