This story is part of BlogFestivus: 12 short stories, 12 days, 12 Days of Christmas. An I.Q. of 12 is also extremely helpful but not required. Oh, the stories have to be exactly 144 words in length, too. You know, that’s 12 times 12. (Use a calculator if you need proof.) The real bitch of this challenge is that you have to incorporate the words from the famous “12 Days of Christmas” song, too. Sick stuff, really. You can find more of these unique stories by clicking this link for a complete list of festive BlogFestivus participants.

The Hat Trick
by Tom B. Taker

Sam had always tried to live his life by the golden rule, for all the good it had done. More often than not, he thought dryly, it was a remarkably one-way phenomenon.

These days, bitter and resigned, he only made the effort out of habit.
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