Page 65 - 2024-2025 Creative Writing

The Silk Ribbon

The navy blue ribbon hung on the wall at the packaging shop, along with sprinkles, keychains, and various

colors and patterns of ribbons; all hoping that the next customer will pick them to decorate their heartfelt

presents and give them to their loved ones. They knew nothing but the small corner of the shop they were
placed in. However, every one of them yearned to bring joy to people, all except the prideful silk ribbon.

It was the only one made of silk in the humble shop, therefore it thought that becoming a part of the gift was

beneath it. Then, a customer entered the shop and started to converse with the shopkeeper. He sighed, “It
seems like I will be picked this time, oh!” What I wouldn’t give to keep my peace for another day.” The

ribbon melodramatically exclaimed and was just about to continue when the customer picked up a red ribbon

instead. While the cohort of trinkets congratulated the lucky ribbon, the loudest ribbon was instead quiet.
This situation repeated many times that day. Every time a customer walked, the little ribbon would start

saying farewell, and every time, he deflated more and more.

By the time it got dark outside, he had given up on even anticipating customers, it was already time to close
anyway. As the shopkeeper finished cleaning the score, a man came into the shop with an apologetic smile

and started talking with the old shop owner. The blue ribbon didn’t expect much from this instance too, so he

was surprised when the man picked him up. Even though he was shocked, he got into character without

missing a beat and started repeating all the sentences he said today. Then he left all he knew in a cacophony
of cheers and congratulations.

The ribbon was used to bundle a present under a Christmas tree. Of course, even alone, he didn’t stop talking
about how offended he was to be used as a way to hide the real gift. He would have continued to go through

the night if he hadn’t glimpsed himselfin a mirror out of the corner of his eye. Instead he sat in silence, it was

the most beautiful thing he had seen in his entire life. A Christmas tree decorated with lights and toys with
many presents under it.

Just as the first ray of sunshine hit the house, thudding sounds started coming from above and the ribbon saw

a small child rushing to the Christmas with a wide grin. It’s only then that the small and pridefulribbon
understood the feelings of his fellow ribbons. To bring that much joy to a kid, however small his presence

was, brought a sense of fulfillment to the silk ribbon he had never experienced before. He started to laugh

with the girl in front of him, even as he was ripped to pieces to reveal the real present.

A. Tamir 11A