A FAMILY TRADITION (An Original Short Story)

Old Simon Buskovich is very excited to celebrate this year's Christmas with the town mayor's family. The family has an annual tradition of inviting one resident from a nearby nursing home to spend the holiday with them, and this year they have chosen him. This tradition have helped them gain more prestige and respect from their constituents through the years.

The old man arrived in the mayor's home early in the afternoon to meet them and thank them personally. He felt unusually blessed, since he have always wanted to meet the man. The mayor, his wife and their daughter are very pleased to have Simon as their guest for this year. A lot were taken into consideration, but in the end, they picked Simon. Both parties are obviously happy with the outcome.

While waiting for the food to be served, the little girl entertained their guest with stories, questions and her charismatic smile. At the age of 10, she is already aware that this time of the year is very special and symbolic to her family.

One by one, the food came out and were laid on the table -- spiced ham, roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, sweetened asparagus and a special home-made moist chocolate cake -- accompanied by a bottle of vintage red wine. Simon then sat on his assigned seat, along with the family, and satisfied himself with all the food he can take.

He was halfway through the remaining contents of his plate when he noticed the eerie ambiance of the house -- everyone is looking at him. They were staring at him intently with maniacal smiles on their faces. He got more confused when the mayor stood up from his seat, his smile not leaving his face as he walked towards the old man's side. With his astonishment, the old man didn't notice the huge carving knife that the mayor was holding, until the latter plunged the blade deep into his heart -- or where his heart should have been.

The rest of the mayor's family stood up, pride and honor etched in every corner of their faces, as they watched their delicious Christmas meal still in shock and running out of breath. They knew that this year would be very special, "Look at his innocent face!", they giggled silently. Their excitement, though, was short-lived because as they waited for the offertory blood to come out, a sad, knowing smile slowly crept across the old man's face.

Everything happened so fast.

The news was all over the town the next day. The old man was never found -- and every bit of proof that he ever existed was either destroyed or forgotten overnight.

No one knew what really happened that night, and the whole community is still in grief...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
for the death of their beloved mayor and his wonderful family.

~o~

Hello everyone! Thank you so much for reading this. I might be able to post another story by tomorrow :D Keep safe!

Love. Love. Love.