Jingle Bugs

"No amouunt of dashing through the snow--or a cold afternoon in Paris (Nov 2009)--was going to extinguish that one." -- Jingle Bugs accompanies Ninina wherever she goes.

A Miami Story (and published as such in 2005): short; and sweet. And yet I feel that it belongs here:

Name: Georgina Marrero

Date: Sunday, December 25th 2005 - 03:18:15 PM
Subject: Jingle Bugs
Neighborhood: Coral Gables

JINGLE BUGS

BEEEP. There was this constant BEEEP in the background. I didn’t know if it was coming from inside or outside the bookstore, but it was downright annoying.

Waiting in a long line, I began to examine the holiday merchandise heaped on the tables approaching the cash registers. A little child’s book caught my attention: Jingle Bugs. It was one of those open the flap, pull on the tab types that are irresistible to me, even at my age.

Flipping through the pages, quietly – yet delightedly – I reached the last two. “What tops the tree, all gold and glimmering? A shiny Starbug softly shimmering.” I read. I was instructed to open the box at the base of the tree and pull down the black flap. Doing just that, Jingle Bells began to play. Oh, how cute, how sweet, I said to myself, as I placed the book back on the table.

The BEEEP continued to no end. And now it was joined by an audibly tinny version of Jingle Bells, playing over and over again. I could barely believe my ears! Finally realizing Jingle Bugs would serenade me until it fizzled out, if I let it, I returned to the book and pulled the flap back up. There.

Now to turn off the BEEEP: easier said than done. Leaving the store, I realized it was outside. No amount of dashing through the sun was going to extinguish that one.