It was Christmas Eve. The Royal Gazette was very busy. The company was having a Christmas story writing competition. They were putting the stories in the newspaper for the public to read. The judges decided to judge them early in the morning on Christmas Day.

One of the employees named Shelby Hardbroom stayed late that night. She waited until everybody had left. She opened the door to her boss, Mike's, office.

Shelby had a magic ink vanishing spray. She sprayed every story except her son's, John Hardbroom.

She wanted him to win so that she could get the prize money which was 500 dollars! Shelby was in a lot of debt. That is why she needs the money. Shelby had left a note that had said: "To Whom it may concern: I have sprayed all the stories with vanishing spray. I'm asking for the prize money then I will make the writing reappear.

Signed, Shelby Hardbroom.'' She left the note for the judges to read. She went home.

Early that morning the judges were there to judge the stories. They spotted the note (right away). The judges knew that Shelby worked there. They took the note right to Mike. Mike read the note. He called Shelby after he read it.

"Ding, ding,'' the phone rang.

"Hello'', Shelby answered.'' Hello, it's Mike. I have something to discuss with you.'' Mike said firmly. "Well what is it?'' "It is about the note that you have written. If you would have told me you were in debt I would have given you a raise.'' "I know, I know. It's just that it is embarrassing that I can't give John a proper Christmas.'' "I will help you, just come to work and spray the ink back.'' "Sure''.

Shelby drove to work. When she got there she met Mike and sprayed the Christmas stories. Mike helped pay her debt and they went shopping for John's presents.

Shelby went home and laid the presents under the artificial tree. Shelby snuck back to bed. When John woke up he was surprised to see presents.

Even though they didn't win the prize money they had a lovely Christmas and Mike to thank for it.

SHORT STORY COMPETITION CPN