This is my second entry in Susanna Leonard Hill’s Annual Holiday Contest! You can read all the stories here: https://susannahill.com/2016/12/08/ho-ho-ho-the-6th-annual-holiday-contest-is-here/

 

Heartsick Reindeer’s Twelve Days of Christmas (300 words)

 

On the first day of Christmas, Heartsick Reindeer stared at his hooves, wishing he wasn’t alone.

He asked, “How do I find true love?”

No one answered.

On the second day of Christmas, Heartsick Reindeer galloped in search of true love. Over snowy plains and icy ponds he searched.

No true love.

On the third day of Christmas, Heartsick Reindeer scaled a mountain. At the peak, he yodeled, “Yodelayhee-yoo-hoo. True love?”

“Yodelayhee-yoo-hoo. True love?” echoed back.

On the fourth day of Christmas, Heartsick Reindeer trotted into town. He spotted a reindeer pair rubbing noses. He asked, “How did you find true love?”

“Our eyes met across a crowded tundra.”

On the fifth day of Christmas, Heartsick Reindeer trekked to a jam-packed holiday market.

The other reindeer were too busy shopping to meet his eyes.

On the sixth day of Christmas, Heartsick Reindeer ambled around town hoping for a chance encounter with true love.

But chance didn’t favor him that day.

On the seventh day of Christmas, Heartsick Reindeer had a good cry.

On the eight day of Christmas, Heartsick Reindeer dried his tears and hung a sign around his neck, “Seeking true love.”

“Good things come to those who wait,” brayed a grizzled reindeer.

On the ninth day of Christmas, Heartsick Reindeer stood and waited.

But no good things came to him.

On the tenth day of Christmas, Heartsick Reindeer decided to smile at everyone he met.

He didn’t meet his true love, but he did make a friend.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, Heartsick Reindeer and his new friend smiled at everyone they met.

They didn’t find Heartsick Reindeer’s true love, but they made three more friends.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, our Reindeer didn’t feel so heartsick anymore.

“Merry Christmas,” brayed Reindeer, “to my true friends.”