The World of Myth Magazine

James opened his door a crack, strained his ears, but heard nothing. He tiptoed past his parents’ room and into the living room.

Masses of gifts surrounded the Christmas tree, but he sulked. He’d begged to open one early but hadn’t been allowed to.

A large, heavy one clinked when James shook it. The tools he’d wanted, maybe?

He examined more boxes, felt antsier and antsier, and finally opened one. Discovering cologne, he frowned.

Unscrewing the lid, he gaped when gray smoke trickled out, twisting and turning like an undulating snake.

It drifted toward James, enveloped him, and he vanished.

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