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The Greatest Gift, by Sandra James

24/2/2021

 
FOOD
‘It looks great!’

The man in the Santa t-shirt grins and raises his palm for a high five, then continues. ‘You must be an artist; it looks as good as any table in a posh restaurant. They won’t say much but they’ll appreciate it, and it’ll make them feel special.’

‘Thanks,’ I mumble, flushing as red as his t-shirt. I don’t remember anyone ever telling me I’d done a great job.

‘Wanna help me peel spuds?’ he asks.

I nod and follow him to the kitchen. He hands me a peeler and we sit on opposite sides of a huge hessian sack of brushed potatoes. ‘Cheaper than washed ones,’ he shrugs apologetically.

‘It’s okay,’ I tell him. ‘The dirt’ll wash off.’

We peel in silence, matching grubby potato for grubby potato in our respective piles on the bench. Finally, the last two and I shave my last strip a millisecond ahead of him.

‘You missed a bit,’ he laughs, pretending to inspect my pile before sweeping them into the sink and turning the tap on.

An older woman with jangling bangles almost up to her elbow arrives and he enfolds her in a hug. ‘This is Rose,’ he says. ‘She makes the best gravy… ever!’

Rose laughs and crushes me in a bear hug. ‘Lovely to meet you, sweetie. It’s so good of you to give up your Christmas to help here.’

I open my mouth to speak but the door opens again and three more arrivals are embraced with gusto.

The kitchen is filled with myriad aromas. Turkey, chicken, lamb and pork. Plum puddings bubble on the stove top. I follow one of the later arrivals into the store room and we bring out stacks of mis-matched dinner plates and bowls.

Rose stirs her famous gravy. Red Santa t-shirt begins carving. One man opens the dining room doors and hesitant faces appear, then smile and make their way to seats at the long tables. I add crisp roast potatoes to plates, the man beside me spoons minted peas and we all take tray loads out to grateful recipients.

Last plate delivered, we prepare thick slices of pudding and top them with custard and cream.

To the accompaniment of clinking spoons, someone croons Silent Night. I see tears trickling down weary cheeks and realise my own are damp.

After the last person leaves, Red Santa t-shirt fills the sink with steaming water and the rest of us pick up tea towels.

Finally, we sit at the end of one of the long tables and feast on leftovers. I’ve never tasted anything so good.

‘I didn’t volunteer,’ I blurt, hanging my head. ‘I got community service.’ The whole saga of my dysfunctional life and family tumbles out.

‘Welcome to the club,’ says Red Santa t-shirt. ‘Got mine twenty years ago. Judge gave me the best gift I ever received.’

Rose pulls one of her shiny bangles from her arm and slips it over my hand.

‘Merry Christmas, love.’
​
Jim link
24/2/2021 11:29:46 pm

Just wonderful, Sandra. Just wonderful.

Take care
Jim

Sandra James
25/2/2021 09:06:34 am

Thank you very much, Jim. I really value your opinion :)

Peggy Gerber
25/2/2021 01:24:46 am

Community service or not, a very good deed was done which will lead to more good deeds. Really nice story.

Sandra James
25/2/2021 09:07:51 am

Thank you, Peggy. I'm sure community service has set many on a different path in life.

Pamela Kennedy
25/2/2021 01:29:59 am

Such a heart warming story...a joy to read.

Sandra James
25/2/2021 09:08:35 am

Thank you, Pamela. That means a lot.

Sue Clayton
25/2/2021 01:33:36 am

Your story was a gift too, Sandra. A feast for the eyes.

Sandra James
25/2/2021 09:09:52 am

Thanks, Sue. I've never had community service but I do know that doing something for someone else is a great way to stop feeling sorry for yourself :)

Mary Wallace
25/2/2021 02:22:08 am

Just lovely Sandra. Love a feel good story.

Sandra James
25/2/2021 09:11:29 am

Thanks, Mary. Me, too! I loved writing it :)

Andrew Carter
25/2/2021 12:41:47 pm

Really related to this one, Sandra. Contribution is a way healthier alternative to punishment

Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:38:04 am

Absolutely, Andrew! It doesn't work with everyone but it can be a turn-around for others. A win for them and the community :)

Jennifer Duncan
25/2/2021 02:38:04 pm

A lot of people are helped in a myriad of ways at outreach missions to the homeless. Really well written.

Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:39:17 am

Thanks, Jennifer, I agree. Look beyond and it's not just the homeless, there's a flow on to others :)

Doug
25/2/2021 05:01:50 pm

This was just wonderful Sandra. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Fantastic.

Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:43:49 am

Thank you, Doug! It's an honour to be part of this site and share my stories and read all the wonderful pieces from around the world. I loved writing this one; it left me with goosebumps when I finished!

Marjan sierhuis
27/2/2021 05:00:13 pm

Excellent flash fiction, Sandra. Your understanding of the theme makes it exceptional. I hope the judges take notice!

Sandra James
27/2/2021 09:55:10 pm

Oh, Marjan, thank you! I feel humbled, honoured and inspired by your comments. The kindness shown by you and all the other lovely people who have given feedback is a true prize and much appreciated. Thanks, again!


Comments are closed.

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