A Christmas Carol Reader Novels & Stories

The Reader stumbled backward. Their faceless hood twisted violently, body bending in impossible angles. “You’re not supposed to hesitate!” they gasped. Liora clutched the book to her chest. “Then maybe this isn’t the final chapter.” “You can’t stop what’s been written,” the Reader hissed. “You can’t outrun the ending!” The floor cracked beneath them, Not ground, But text, Pages of her life peeling apart like skin, And rising from between them, Was a figure made entirely of titles. No face, No features.

I turned to see that Mother had returned, this time with gifts in her hands. "I wanted to give these to you." She smiled as she walked back to her empty seat. Father straightened himself out but it was clear that he had also drank far too much. I allowed myself to drink more than I normally would, seeing as it was Christmas, after all. Mother smiled once more, ignoring our intoxicated states. "Carole, this is for you," she said, handing her a small red box. "Oh, you didn't have to, Mrs. Connall," Carole replied as she held the box.

He cooed, running his fingers through her hair as she nestled herself into his side. After the hectic day, they spent the rest of it in the quiet and peaceful ambience of their home-made fort. Seth read to her The Christmas Carol, a present that Dave had given the day before, and he did so much more enthusiastically than he anticipated. She had to stifle her laughter every time he changed his voice for a character and then later forget which character had which voice. "Thank you for the best Christmas ever," she said, leaning closer to his lips for a kiss, having missed them touching her own for the short time they were apart.

"I am doing just fine, honey. But are you absolutely sure you are alright? You sound incredibly distressed. Are you sick?" Emma bit down hard on her trembling bottom lip. Her green eyes rapidly filled with hot tears. She forcefully gulped down her crushing sorrow and managed a response. "No, I am perfectly fine, Caroline. I-I just... I just can't wait to see you." Caroline's voice instantly lit up with joy at the response. "I am so incredibly looking forward to seeing you for Christmas, honey! I am already planning to prepare your absolute favorite—chicken roast and baked potatoes!"

This was immediately forwarded to Maple Grove, reaching there just as the family were rising from the breakfast-table. “Oh, isn’t it beautiful—splendid—magnificent!” were Carrie’s exclamations, while she praised Mrs. Graham’s generosity, secretly wondering if “Durward did not have something to do with it.” On this point she was soon set right, for the young man himself erelong appeared, and after bidding them all a “Merry Christmas,” presented Anna with a package which, on being opened, proved to be a large and complete copy of Shakspeare, elegantly bound, and bearing upon its heavy golden clasp the words “Anna Livingstone, from Durward,”

The names of the Readers were turning into a solid, glowing "Ink Black." One of the "Readers" from the ship—a man in a modern black hoodie—jumped from the prow and landed in the courtyard. He didn't have gold eyes, and he didn't have silver eyes. He had eyes of "Pure Ink." He looked at Kaelen, and a cold, mercury-smile touched his lips. "The 'First Sentence' is beautiful, Genesis," the man said, his voice sounding like a thousand pages turning at once. "But did you forget the 'Disclaimer'? The 'Reader' doesn't just watch. Sometimes, the 'Reader' wants to be the 'Villain'."

They reached Tara’s car, and as soon as they got in, Tara squeezed Melody’s hand. As she got into the car, she made a silent prayer, she didn't believe in Christmas no more, but she was hoping for a Christmas miracle. The twelve days of Christmas song was blasting in the car. On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me… “Cheating on a platter of gold.” How thoughtful.

replied kevin. He started reading and I slid my hand under the bench. On his thighs. He stopped reading, but continued soon enough. I started drawing patterns on his thighs with my finger tips gently. He was struggling hard to read properly. His white skin turning pink. He started breathing hard and i withdrew my hand after few moments. After the lecture.. "Bro.. you are really pathetic at reading." Laughed carol. I smiled "Whatever" he said looking at me. "No seriously. Are you okay?" Carol asked.

Asmo woke up the next day feeling energized and calm. The Carols night, which turned into The Seven Confessions of the Fallen Angels, helped lift the weight of Asmo's past transgressions. Now, he had the clearest conscience on the block, giving him the confidence to say, "Merry Christmas, Devils! Rise and shine. Come on, your chores won't do themselves. It's Christmas day again!"

Nicholas “Merry Christmas!” shouted a smiling street performer, handing out small candy canes. “No, thank you,” Nicholas Kerstman said, shaking his head as he walked past. “But it's Christmas time! Take one,” the performer urged. “Embrace the season.” Nicholas sighed. Why did Christmas have to come every year? “Sure. Why not?” Nicholas said with a shrug as he took the candy cane into his hand. When he thought the street performer couldn't see him, he threw the candy cane into the nearest trashcan.