“Children, you better go to bed now before Santa Claus can slide down our chimney and leave you guys your presents.” Haylie said to her children, Cami and Dylan, who were staring unblinkingly at the new ornament Haylie bought earlier that day. The ornament was for free – a guy dressed in a Santa outfit was standing in front of the supermarket handing each customer one of these shiny baubles. Haylie must admit, it is mesmerizing to stare at that crimson bauble.

“Kids!” Haylie spoke louder. Cami and Dylan didn’t move an inch, they continued to stare at the ornament. Haylie stepped closer and waved a hand in front of the children’s faces. Nothing. It was as though they’ve been hypnotized. Forcefully, Haylie pulled Cami away. As soon as Cami lost eye contact with the ornament, she turned to her mother, “Mama, it was beautiful.”

Haylie picked the little girl up and frowned, “What is, sweetie?”

“What Santa was showing us.”

“What was Santa showing you?”

Cami shook her head, “I’m not supposed to tell anyone.” She whispered, “It’s a secret.”

“Well, whether it’s a secret or not, you and your brother need to get to bed. Otherwise, the big man won’t be able to give you guys your presents.” Cami jammed her thumb rebelliously in her mouth as Haylie bent and picked Dylan up. “Come on, Dill, time for bed.”

The second Dylan broke eye contact with the ornament, he screamed and began punching his mother’s leg, “Mom, how can you pull me away from that. It wasn’t finished.” Dylan had calm down but in tears by the time they made it upstairs to his bed.

Continue reading here: The Ornament #writephoto