First Published in 2023 Weird Christmas Flash Fiction Contest: https://weirdchristmas.com/2023/12/31/test-post/
My eyes fluttered awake and the realization set in immediately. I ran downstairs to find my younger brother and sister already sitting anxiously a safe distance from the tree. I giggled at our parents in their matching jalapeño print pajamas, watching from the corner of the room with cozy smiles. They sipped holiday drinks carefully from bright red mugs with tendrils of steam. A cold downdraft blew through the large vent in the ceiling and froze my bare feet. Everyone shivered.
“Go ahead gremlin.” Daddy sensed my nervousness. His words nudged gently.
I walked over to the bright red sack and pulled forth metal masks with magic horizontal glass slits across the eyes. One by one, I handed the masks out, starting with my siblings. My parents set down their mugs to don theirs and double-check everyone had a snug fit.
My hands explored inside the sack for the last item. It was heavy and cold to the touch. Cylindrical canister atop a metal frame. Double trigger. Holey nozzle. A tube connected the back of the gas tank to the handle grip. Inside was the self-regulating flow control system.
I unveiled the majestic flamethrower. A shiny new B1000. Solid white with sparkling silver and gold trim. Magical. My siblings jumped up and down with excitement. Daddy said controlled fire saves forests. Mama said just be grateful the landfills are gone, whatever that means.
I tapped the trigger lightly and a brief puff of fire purred. The recoil was soft. A gentle beast.
A skirt of discarded toys rested in the coal surrounding the tree. I silently whispered goodbye to my old teddy covered in patches. I pressed hard on the trigger and flames bellowed forth. The tree was engulfed in roaring flames, reflecting in our visors. Old toys melted away. The vent kicked on, sucking the smoke through magic filters that ejected flurries of snow billowing from the roof. I smiled wide under my mask as I purged old memories to make room for new ones.
We basked in the glow, filled with warmth and joy.
R.D. Irizar 