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Thursday Prompt Great Holiday Story Exchange 2023


“Opportunity”


By Kiyofox


Kiyo piloted his silver motorcycle down the road, thankful traffic was light. The gray leaden clouds threatened rain at any moment on the cold December day, but he did not feel rushed. The fox glanced at the clock on his speedo and concluded he would still make the holiday party on time.
As he rolled on, he took little notice of the numerous businesses and shopping centers until he spotted a Christmas tree lot ahead. The parking lot turned into a temporary forest of pines, and had several banners encircling the space with bright blinking lights to draw the attention of passers by. It was hard to tell who was coming or going by the amount of traffic at the entrance.
Kiyo gave the lot a glance as he streamed by, eyeing one family strapping a large specimen to the roof of their minivan. He was suddenly amused at the prospect of what would happen if he pulled into the lot on his bike and asked for a tree. He shook his head and carried on down the road.
Several blocks later, the inevitable drizzle started and Kiyo wondered if he should quicken his pace to avoid getting too wet before reaching his destination. He stopped at a red light and casually wiped the accumulated water drops to clear his visor. That’s when he spotted a car half a block down past the intersection with a large tree strapped to the roof.
The car was pulled off on the gravel shoulder, and sat slightly askew. From his vantage point he could not immediately see the driver. His attention shifted slightly as the turn signal lights changed, and when he looked towards the car again Kiyo saw the driver hunched over at the passenger side. He surmised the driver was changing a flat.
The light turned green, and Kiyo headed through the intersection. As he closed in on the car, he saw the driver suddenly slip and fall over into the wet grass. The fox reached a decision and pulled over a few yards ahead of the car. He dismounted the bike quickly and slipped off his helmet.
“Is everything okay?” Kiyo called to the car driver. “Do you need help?”
As he approached, the fox saw the driver was a gray mouse who wore the most interesting blue jacket with a golden star pattern.
“I wouldn’t say no to a helping hand,” the mouse said.
Kiyo helped the mouse off the ground and the two stood before the car assessing the situation. The front passenger tire was deflated, and while the mouse managed to get the car jacked up he encountered some difficulty getting the wheel lugs off. The fox nodded his head.
“I think we can get you taken care of if we work together,” Kiyo said. “I’m Kiyo, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, Kiyo,” the mouse said, shaking his hand, “my name is Erin.”
“Nice weather we’re having today, eh Erin,” Kiyo joked as they stood in the drizzle.
“Yeah, just lovely,” Erin grunted, “which is actually why I’m having a hard time. The crossbar is really slick and my hands slipped.”
“No problem,” Kiyo smiled, “let me give it a try since I’ve already got my gloves on.” He took the tire iron and set it to one of the remaining lugs. The fox exerted some force and managed to break it loose.
“Did you get your tree from the lot down the road there?”
Kiyo began working on the next lug.
“Yeah, I decided I wanted to go all out for Christmas this year. I only moved to town a few months ago, and having all the decorations up makes it feel more like home. I’m usually really busy with work, so I have not had a chance to make friends.”
“Ah, I see,” Kiyo said between pulls on the tire iron, “well, welcome to our little corner of the world.”
Kiyo started on the last lug when Erin pointed at the motorcycle.
“Don’t you get cold riding in the winter?”
“Most days it’s not so bad,” he replied, spinning the iron to free the final bolt, “it’s only a drag when it rains like now.” The two shared a chuckle.
“Here, help me pull the wheel off,” Kiyo asked.
The pair made short work of getting the flat off the car, and getting the fresh tire in place. Erin held the wheel while Kiyo put several of the lugs in by hand. Within a few minutes they had everything tightened and stepped back from the car.
“Looks good, I think you’re ready to lower the car,” Kiyo said.
“Nice,” Erin replied and went to work loosening the screw of the scissor jack.
As the car tire touched the ground, Erin quickened the pace and the car shifted when the suspension took full weight. Kiyo saw the Christmas tree change its position and threaten to slide off the roof.
“Watch out,” he called and stepped in to grab the bulk of the tree. “Looks like your tree is trying to escape.”
“Shoot,” Erin grumbled, “one of the ropes must have come loose. Can you hold it a minute while I check?”
“Sure, no problem,” Kiyo said. He patiently held the tree in place as Erin checked and tightened the bindings.
“Okay, got it,” he called, “you can let go now.”
Kiyo gingerly complied, grinning when the tree did not move.
“That was a close one.” He wiped some water from his dripping fur. “Let me help you get the tire stowed before we get soaked any more.”
They quickly put away the jack, iron, and the flat in the trunk. Erin stared at the fox for a brief second.
“I really appreciate your help, let me give you something for your time-”
“Nah, that’s okay,” Kiyo interrupted, “just happy I could help.”
The mouse spotted a cafe across the road and an idea popped into his head. “Perhaps you’d let me at least buy you a hot drink as a thank you?”
Kiyo smiled and shook his head, “Thank you for the offer, but I actually need to get going. I was on my way to a holiday party.”
“Oh, okay,” Erin said, deflating like the tire they just changed.
“Why don’t you join me?” Kiyo offered. “I’m sure my friends would welcome another person to join in the fun. It’s actually not that far.”
“Really?”
“Sure,” Kiyo grinned and pulled out his phone. “Give me your number and I’ll text you the address. You said you didn’t have a chance to make friends, right? I promise it will be fun.”
The two exchanged contact info and Kiyo texted the destination. Erin grinned, but his smile turned into a frown.
“Dang, I just remembered I have a load of groceries I need to get home, including this huge tree.”
“It’s cool,” Kiyo said, “we should be there all evening. Maybe I’ll see you there?”
“I’ll try to make it,” Erin said.
“Alrighty. I should get going. It was nice to meet you, Erin.”
The fox gave the mouse another hand shake and walked back to his bike. Within a moment he sat atop the running bike ready to go. Kiyo gave another wave before he drove off. Erin stood another few seconds before the rain reminded him how wet and cold he was.
Erin got in his car and started the engine. He checked the address of the party, finding it was actually just a short distance from his residence. His smile returned as he pulled back onto the road and headed for home, excited at the chance to meet some new friends.