The Christmas Party

Note: Please see Author’s Notes, so I can explain something first. 1

Kaore paused, kneeling. In his hands held a picture frame, and as he looked at it he traced the edge with his thumb. Corin had rummaged up another box, one of the many filled with junk and treasures that Kaore had stuffed away and forgotten about. He thought he moved them all, but every once in a while either Corin or himself found another. Mostly in the dark crevices of Kaore’s black domain, in places even he himself seldom dared to enter.2

Kaore’s grip tightened on the intricately metal frame. The scene in the photograph was jovial – him and Cladia merrily tipsy at a Christmas party, donning red Santa hats and grinning in front of a Christmas tree. However, the cheerful scene didn’t wipe the blank expression from his face, and definitely didn’t pull his mouth into a grin – In fact, he might have twitched a little. 3

He dropped the frame, and the picture that depicted his last Christmas with his since passed wife, landed, face-down. 4

(Christmas Party, 53 years earlier)5

“Come on, honey! If you let me drag you all the way down here you should at least have some fun!” 6

Kaore mumbled incoherently at his wife, Cladia. She stood, hanging on his arm, while Jerry waited, camera in hand. 7

“I don’t have all day, y’know,” he said, swinging the camera around at his side. Cladia looked up at Kaore.8

Cladia’s features crowded together. “Is something wrong?”9

Kaore looked up, a sardonic expression on his face. “As a matter of fact—“10

“Kaore, don’t be a wise guy, now!” Cladia wagged her finger. He sighed. Truth be told, something was bothering him -- the copy of the Mona Lisa that the hosts had hung up on the wall was several millimeters off. Oh well – that was Kaore for you. 11

Jerry sighed and sauntered away, still twirling the camera by its strap. Cladia saw this and grumbled. 12

The party continued, and eventually Kaore loosened up. Cladia went to get them some drinks, and he busied himself pulling at the sleeves of his black turtleneck. She returned. 13

“Here’s to ol’ Saint Nick!” she beamed.14

“Who never gave me that nuclear physics kit I wanted when I was twelve,” he muttered. Kaore smiled at himself as they raised the glasses in a toast. He sipped the drink, smiling at his beautiful, ever-positive wife. The pair continued to socialize and laugh with friends, as traditional Christmas tunes floated in the background. The picture was taken by Jerry later that evening…15

________________16

Kaore stood, harshly, trying to repel the happy memory. He shook, pulled his hair, and fled the scene, away from the empty box, and away from the memory of Cladia. 17

And towards a more hateful revenge. 18