Sheri Yutzy - Speculative Fiction Author

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You are here: Home / All Posts / The Christmas Ornament-#WinterWordsFlashFiction

The Christmas Ornament-#WinterWordsFlashFiction

December 6, 2019 by Sheri

“And it wasn’t here last night?”

Iggy leaned closer, her breath fogging the glass orb. “No. The Christmas lantern ran out of batteries, so I took it off the hook. When I brought it out this morning…” She gestured to the ornament swaying gently from a length of white ribbon.

“Those are the tiniest plants I’ve ever seen.” Oliver’s cheeks had turned red the moment he stepped out the front door and crunched into the snow.

Iggy stopped the swaying orb with one fingernail, studying the clump of miniscule ferns that framed the one blue-blooming plant in the center. “Is that forget-me-not?”

“Don’t ask me. They can’t be real, anyway.”

She dropped her hand. “Why not?”

“Because it’s sealed, obviously.”

Iggy peered all around the orb. “Huh.” Still, the green life soothed her eyes.

“Did Jim bring it for you?” Oliver craned his neck to try to see the neighbor’s house through the trees.

Iggy rolled her eyes. “As if he’d get off the couch this time of year. Should we take it inside?”

<<<

“Stop messing with it.” Iggy set the platter of cookies on the table and moved to hover protectively by the ornament.

Oliver nestled it back into the centerpiece. “Aren’t you gonna hang it on the tree?”

Iggy eyed the overloaded tree. “It’s too special for that.”

“I found just the spot. Come on.”

“I don’t know…”

Oliver picked it up, ignoring her. “It shouldn’t be left all alone out here.”

A buzz of anticipation swept over her as he reached up to an empty branch. Why? It was just a—

A slow burning flash swept over the tree, swelling to fill the room. “Oliver!” Iggy grabbed his arm. The tree began to morph into something…alive. Ferns arose all around the room, blue forget-me-nots exploding underfoot until the carpet was no more. In moments, Iggy’s living room was a garden full of intoxicating scents.

She closed her eyes and pinched her arm. When she looked up, Oliver was grinning at her.

“Merry Christmas, sis.”

 

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About Sheri

Here Goes Something New!

Hi, I'm Sheri Yutzy. I love forests under the night sky, trying new foods, and drinking Irish tea.
I'm married to a musician who looks good in black, mama to two toddlers who love to eat, and happy resident of a Cape Cod cottage in Ohio.
I write YA fantasy and am acquisitions editor at sparkflashfiction.com.
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The husband and I had a lovely little date yesterd The husband and I had a lovely little date yesterday morning—the first in a long time. We visited a delightful new-to-us coffee shop (@speakeasycanalfulton!) and walked along the canal. The air was still and summery, and this mama deer and her babies were completely unconcerned by our presence.
I want to see all these lily pads in bloom one day—I only saw one white flower.

#july #eriecanal #canalfulton #slowliving #waterwalk #mamadeer
Ice cream stop with this little guy. I gave him a Ice cream stop with this little guy. I gave him a taste and he seemed impressed. I can’t wait until he’s big enough to eat things! I love watching the experience different tastes.
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#slowliving #icecreamdays #blueeyedboy
I’ve been watching the butterflies in my garden I’ve been watching the butterflies in my garden and was surprised to find they like zinnias. My wild scattering of seeds early this spring has brought forth much fruit.😅 I have lots of white and peach zinnias, nasturtiums, and an enormous dahlia.
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Do you have any late summer blooms in your yard?
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#teatime #zinnias #booksandtea #slowliving #cottagecore #cottagegarden #butterflies #sheriyutzy
I’m writing this while sipping Scottish breakfas I’m writing this while sipping Scottish breakfast tea and listening to my kids giggle on the floor. Life with kids can be chaotic, but I’m looking for moments like these.♥️
I haven’t read my usual fantasy in quite a while—it’s been nonfiction and contemporary stuff the past month. Just looking at this fun YA fantasy banshee-in-high school series by @lauralzimmauthor makes me excited for school and fall and schedules. It’s been good, summer, but I’m ready! 😅
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Tell me a magical moment you experienced today:
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