MicroHorror

Kris twiddled the screwdriver, tongue peeping out of cherry-red lips. The bulb squeaked into place, and he gave it a gentle flick. It shuddered into life, reflecting back against black eyes. Wiring the bulb had been difficult, but it was worth it–a brilliant red glow lit up Rudolph’s glazed eyes. Satisfied, Kris patted the dog’s head, dropping him to his knees. He fell over and lay still as Kris straightened, groaning over a pot belly. “Time to cut down on the cookies,” he rumbled, chuckling. Rudolph, lying prone in a sticky black pool, didn’t respond. Shrugging, Kris turned to the next task.

“Well, look at you, Prancer,” he shouted, startling his pet. Prancer shivered and shrank back as Kris crossed the room. “You’re uneven!” Kris scooped up a nail gun as he passed the workbench. He held a crown of deer antlers steady, and shot a single nail down through the top. Prancer yelped once then collapsed. “Now you’re ready. We mustn’t disappoint the kiddies.” Ignoring the sticky black that slowly spread around Prancer’s head, Kris swung around to face the pen on the other side of the room. Sixteen dogs cowered behind chicken wire, whining and howling. Kris picked up a soldering gun and more antlers. He smiled brightly at the dogs, green eyes alight. “Now… who else wants to guide my sleigh tonight?”