That Darn Elf...

She didn't want to open her eyes just yet.

It was the best time of the day, in her opinion, when you were toasty and warm snuggled down in your bed. Still dark but you could feel dawn was starting. The whole day ahead of you. New adventures on the horizon.

Maybe it had snowed overnight and everything would be canceled for the day. You could choose to go out and sled, or build a snowman, or stay inside under a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa. 

Since it was December there would also be finding the elf. What had it gotten up to in the night?

Maybe playing in the little marshmallows again.

Spreading them out on the counter so they spelled out a message.

Maybe taking some of the decorations off the tree and hanging them from the ceiling fan. 

Maybe moving one of the porcelain Lladro figurines and taking its place in the curio cabinet. 

There had been so many different things in the past. 

But she didn't want to open her eyes just yet to see. 

For now she was warm and cozy and snug.

The day was ahead of her. Waiting. 

Like the elf. 

That she could feel staring at her. 

So it was the shelf by the bed again. 

Its favorite place to perch.

And stare.

Its hands under its chin. Legs spread in the splits. The maniacal grin painted on its face. 

She really didn't like that elf. 

Always watching. 

Judging her. 

It might not be as bad if she knew how it had gotten into her house in the first place and how the fuck it moved around on its own. 

Only 18 more days until Christmas Eve when she could go back to living alone. 

So for now she kept her eyes closed. 

Snug and warm and safe.