‘It’s November!’

‘To the Elf Mobile!’

Reginald couldn’t share the enthusiasm of his co-workers. After months of hard toil in the workshop, ‘the season’ was upon them, all building towards ‘the big night’. It was too much for him. And it seemed to come around quicker every year. He just wanted to have a good long nap.

The Halloween Imps had it easy. Short build up, over in one night, only sweets and a bit of dressing up required.

Then he’d seen the job advert: ‘Halloween 2023 – Positions Available – Competitive Terms’.

While the others jumped around in excitement, he quietly took the keys to the Elf Mobile and slipped away.

Copyright Brenda Cox

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read more stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

‘The Barra Boy’ is available now, and is the perfect Christmas gift for the readers in your life! You can find all the information for getting a copy HERE.

42 responses to “FOR THE GOOD OF YOUR ELF”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar

    I’m not sure Reg checked the pay clauses. Fun story, Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Neil, he may not be impressed with the T&Cs for Halloween.

      Like

  2. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    Those elves do have to get an early start, don’t they? Cute story.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  3. granonine Avatar

    Halloween elves. Interesting concept. Halloween Imps may be more to the point 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Linda

      Liked by 1 person

  4. elmowrites Avatar

    As our family’s Halloween Imp, Birthday Fairy and Christmas Elf, I can honestly say the job is never done. And the salary is not commensurate. I hope Reg finds other rewards though.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Haha, yes, this could be seen as a metaphor for some real life experience!

      Like

  5. Rowena Avatar

    That car also struck me as too green to be true and I also had a bit of creative fun with it. I wonder if your elf had any ethical concerns about switching from Christmas to Halloween? It seems not. Then again, perhaps Santa shouldn’t overwork his elves.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Rowena. Definitely some ethical issues around the employment of elves at Christmas!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. msjadeli Avatar

    Labor shortages are everywhere, why not follow the incentives. Fun and creative elf story, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. msjadeli Avatar

        You’re welcome 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Anita Avatar

    Are they still hiring ? 🙂
    One can sleep in peace once it’s over!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Sleep from exhaustion! Thanks Anita

      Like

  8. creatingahome Avatar

    Loved it. Lol, even in the magic world employment is hard.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Finding the right job is hard whoever you are 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    Everything ‘annual’ comes around quicker each year, especially birthdays! Excellent title by the way!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Keith, glad you appreciated it 🙂

      Like

  10. Liz Young Avatar

    Elf mobile? I was thinking more of lepracauns!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      The colour could suit either 🙂

      Like

  11. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

    Christmas can be stressful, especially for the elves. I hope Reginald can find a job with a lighter workload. Smart elf! Cute story, Iain. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  12. plaridel Avatar

    even elves deserve a break too. enjoyed this story. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  13. poetisatinta Avatar

    Great tale made me smile 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Bill Avatar

    Everything is better for Halloween. Better unions, less work, no raindeer crap to clean up, much better colors, far less religion (but some), and awesome costumes. Reginald has joined the great resignation (is that just a USA thing?).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Not sure about the great resignation, but I think Reg has it right – plus he can put his feet up and have a nice quiet festive season.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Bill Avatar
  15. Dahlia Avatar

    Oh! I really enjoyed this one 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  16. jlennidorner Avatar

    Ha! Love the idea of the elf career swap. Very cool.
    “I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I’m afraid of.” —Joss Whedon

    J Lenni Dorner (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Reference& Speculative Fiction Author, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, and Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Like

  17. subroto Avatar

    Reggie is an elf made man. Looks like we both thought of using ‘elf mobile’ this week. Nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  18. Laurie Bell Avatar

    Hahaha elf mobile. I love it. Poor things though, what a life. And the pressure!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Yeah, hell of a deadline to work to! 🙂

      Like

  19. starsinclayjars Avatar

    This was fun! Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

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