The Gift

         Christmas morning at the Carter house was an exciting time as pretty paper and ribbons were torn away. There was one package left, still in the brown paper in which it was shipped. It was a large flat package, quite heavy. Miles Carter said. “It’s addressed to us both. Want to open it?”

         Vicky replied, “Go ahead.”

         Miles stripped away the paper and gasped.

         “What is it?” Vicky asked.

         “A ~~ a picture. Who is this supposed to be?”

         “It’s horrible,” Vicky said. She was opening the envelope that had fallen from the package. A note from the sender, Miles’ Aunt Gracie read, “Dear Miles, I have been in an art class for a year, and I painted this portrait of your grandmother from a photograph. I knew you were close to her, and I know you will enjoy having a picture of her in your home. Love, Aunt Gracie.”

         Vickie gasped, “Did she look like that?”

         “No! This is frightful! What on earth was Aunt Gracie thinking?"

         “It’s a horror. What shall we do with it?”

         “Cover it up before the children see it,” Miles suggested.

         “This has got to be the worst painting I ever saw. Look, she’s given her an evil smile and horse teeth. We can’t hang it. Look. The eyes seem to follow me. Miles, this thing is giving me the creeps.”

         Miles sat down to write a card of thanks:

Dear Aunt Gracie,
         Thank you for the portrait. We had no idea what kind of talent you have. I can’t believe you made this likeness from a photograph. We decided that a work of art like this should belong to the world and so we are donating it to the local gallery where many can enjoy it.

Love,
Miles and Vicky

300 words

written for:

ID: 896794   (Rated: 13+) Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  Enter your story of 300 words or less. Note new starting time! by arakun the twisted raccoon