Naughty or Nice

Unremarkable, would be the word for the stockings hanging over the tiny fire place heating the two bedroom apartment. The hole-filled stockings are common, matching the peasant children whose feet they protect.

One by one the stockings are taken down from their post. Most of the gifts are meet with exclamations of wonder, and excitement, except the last, coal filling it to the brim.

"Saint Nicholas doesn't know you like I do, my lovely girl." She only smiles into her hand as a chunk of her present is added to the fireplace which was a flicker away from going out.