On Christmas Eve, one police officer made a routine choice that quietly rewrote two lives—and reminded a city what the season is really about.
Prompt:
Mark Fiester always volunteered for the Christmas Eve shift, but this night was about to volunteer him for something else entirely. An hour into his patrol, cruising through a mostly shuttered commercial district, he spotted two men shoving a homeless man hard against a brick wall. Mark hit the siren without hesitation. The sound split the cold air, and the two attackers bolted into the darkness.
Mark pulled over, radioed it in, and approached carefully. The homeless man was shaken but unhurt, his eyes more tired than afraid. Mark asked a few questions, then called his office again. He explained his plan. There was a pause—then approval.
Ten minutes later, the two of them slid into a vinyl booth at an all-night café glowing with soft yellow light. Steam rose from mugs of coffee. Plates of eggs and toast arrived. The man ate slowly, as if afraid the warmth might disappear if he rushed it. Mark didn’t say much. He didn’t need to. Outside, Christmas Eve rolled on quietly. Inside that booth, kindness had found a place to sit—and stay awhile.
Writer’s Question
What small, human act could your character choose—especially on a meaningful night—that changes someone else’s story in ways they never expected?
Discover more from Optimistic Beacon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
