Santa's Helper

Santa's Helper

"Ho, ho, ho ... and Merry Christmas." The voice was full of cheer, perfectly modulated and designed to engender trust.

Steve watched as Santa Claus greeted the small child that hesitantly approached. Santa reached out and helped the young girl climb onto his lap.

"And what would you like S-s-s-s-santa to bring you this year?"

Steve's ears perked up. There it is. I knew I heard a stutter! He glanced at his watch. Only one more hour, he thought.

Steve continued to watch until closing time. When the Mall finally closed, he walked up to the Claus Model 14-7X and deftly reached under its chin, deactivating the machine.

He plugged the diagnostic probe into Santa's left ear and pushed the scan button. All lights green.

"Can you fix him?"

The voice made Steve jump. Turning around, he saw the Mall manager watching him.

"I think so," he smiled, "although what's going on with this one is a mystery. Everything seems to check out."

"I thought you guys from the Electronic Life Foundation knew everything," Jack challenged.

Steve smiled. "Well then, I'd better not disappoint you," he said, turning back to his task. "Actually, I have an idea of what's going on."

He carefully separated the plasti-skin around the neck and lifted it. Shining his light into the cavity, he saw the tell tale sparkles.

"Just as I thought" he announced. "Santa's been eating between meals. Someone's been feeding him gumdrops." He cleaned out the area and resealed the face.

"Well, it looks like you saved Santa," chuckled Jack.

"What else would you expect? I am, after all, one of Santa's E.L.F's."

He grinned as Jack's groan echoed in the empty space.


Notes:
An entry for the 12/17/10 round of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the words: cheer, mystery, climb

Word Limit: 300
Word Count: 277

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please, as long as you're here, leave a comment. Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even words of encouragement or praise – are all equally welcome

Ken