Saint Lilly Lillum of Charity

Chapter 1. Even a Mouse

#FanFiction #IAmInLoveWithTheVillainess (#WataYuri) #PIXIVCharitySanta
#wss366 #MastoPrompt 12/20

Description: This is a twist on a classic fairy tale that some may find too saccharine.

The road leading down from the orphanage was rocky and rutted. In the dim evening light, Lily kept stumbling. She could have stayed with them, but that would have put a strain on their already overcrowded building. There was no way she could inconvenience them like that.

A sigh escaped her. She had planned to stay at an inn and warm herself at the #fireside, but the orphans' needs had been too great, so she gave the manager all her money. She would find a barn somewhere down in the valley to sleep in. No one would refuse a nun a place to rest, especially not tonight.

A voice called to her: "Alms. Alms for a poor blind man."

In the gathering gloom, she saw an emaciated figure with bandages wrapped around his eyes.

Another sigh threatened to escape her. "I don't have any money, but here’s the food I have."

Lilly handed him a small bundle containing a hunk of hard rye bread and a sliver of cheese. The orphanage manager had given it to her as she left. Lilly had hesitated at the offer. The orphans surely needed the food more than her, but merit was gained through giving, and she wouldn't be inconsiderate enough to deny the woman that.

The man felt the gift with his fingers and spat. "No doubt you want thanks, kind woman." He spat again and turned away, and tottered into the trees, grumbling.

The nun watched him go, saying nothing. Instead, she quietly blessed him and turned, starting back down the road.

It was cold, so she pulled her cloak tight and put her hands in her pockets.

"Goddess be praised!" she muttered. In a pocket, she found a crust of bread that had escaped prior detection.

"Squeak."

The sound caused her to look up. Beside the road was a #mouse, its paws raised as if begging.

This time, she let a sigh escape and threw the crust to the creature, which ran off with it.

[Continued in Chapter 2 By the Grace of the Goddess]

#Tootfic #MicroFiction #Serial #NMFic

today’s fireside chat
will be cancelled but stay tuned
we might find firewood

#Haiku #Poetry #Writing #PoetryCommunity #WritingCommunity
#MastoPrompt #Fireside
@stevencudahy

The #MastoPrompt for Saturday 20 December 2025 is:

#fireside

The poem or story can include the prompt word or be about the prompt word.

@ me, if you like, or just include the #MastoPrompt tag (to allow people to follow or filter their feeds), or keep your work to yourself - all the options are good as long as you're writing.

If you're including an image please do include alt-text if you’re able to.

#Writing #SmallPoems #Poetry #Fiction #MicroFiction #SmallStories