Advent Ghosts 2020

In the spirit of the Victorian tradition of telling spooky Christmas stories, Loren Eaton’s Advent Ghosts challenges participants to write a Christmas themed scary drabble (a story of 100 words).

Be sure to check out Loren’s site, where he has links to all the participants stories.

Now, without further ado, my story…

---

The cozy atmosphere of the living room chilled as Pippa picked up the messily wrapped bundle from her brother.

The parcel looked like the spirit bottle Barry’d given her last Christmas, and Pippa hoped that this time it contained alcohol rather than the departed.

Icy fingers tapped Pippa’s spine as she unwrapped her present. An old brandy bottle filled with grey smog vibrated in her hands.

Barry waggled his eyebrows. “It’s a matching pair. The wife to the man I gave you last year.”

“Oh no.” A plaintive moan echoed throughout the house.

For once, Pippa agreed with the ghost.

---