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WHAT I DID FOR CHRISTMAS by DonBoye
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The sacrificial lamb was taken to the slaughterhouse. I watched it as it struggled for its life. Steel was put to its throat and passed through it till the sharp flat came out at the back. Everyone laughed and was joyous. Murder, I think? Well, it cannot be classified as so, but I believe it to be that anyway. I have a pain in my tooth. Father says it is wisdom teeth, a new one to be added to my ever browning collection. I wondered why it had to be so painful; even to swallow my spittle hurt so much.

Father said: "learn from the mouth, for it speaks without words to tell you that positive growth is not without its pains." I am not sure I learned so much from that, except that it still hurt even after the painkillers, and I could only stare as they shared the sacrificial lamb amongst themselves, their teeth tearing at its flesh. Well, I didn't want it anyway, I didn't want to be a part of the murder, or did I? I'm very sure I didn't want to, but the spittle dripping from my mouth as I watched them didn't concur. Sadly sometimes we aren't just in control.

Christmas! What a pleasant time of the year, of the lovely merriment and the joyous memories, what a time to be happy. Christmas this year for me wasn't so merry as it should. First, we speak of the ravaging virus that plummeted through our country and forced everyone to stay at home, and sentenced everyone to a lifetime of smelling their breath. Such agony!

In my country, we always find a way to turn things around for fun, no matter how serious. This event was no exception. The social media was agog with the festivities and happenings.

Family outings were ruined, so we settled for in-house activities to follow through with the government's due protocols. We had some visitors, distant cousins, uncles and auntie, and nephews and nieces. This, I think, for I was scrunched up on my bed, squirming in pain, my palms clutching my left jaw. But I heard strange voices and laughter once in a while, of that, I am sure of. There was a lot of cooking done, a lot, varying dishes, and simmering cuisine littered our dining table. Even from my bed, I could smell my favourite as the aroma wafted into my nose, but at the same time, my teeth decided to remind me that I wouldn't be having any of it.

So while everyone was downstairs, taking first and second helpings, laughing at the family drama that played out on our television screen, I was in bed, just there in bed. My mom brought me some liquid food, something I could easily swallow. Even that hurt so much. Then she administered my painkillers and left me to myself. I silently hoped that the pains would be all gone by the morrow and I would be able to have myself some yummy meal, but it lingered on, through Boxing Day, even till New Year's Eve.

So there you go, what I did for Christmas is pretty much summed up, I just lay in bed. Unfortunately, it is, right? But here we have a brighter side; through the silence and loneliness, so many writing ideas came to life in my head, so many resolutions were thought up, and I entered into the New year with a bang.

What did I do for Christmas? Well, this year was quite a snag, but I hope the next would be better.