Not A Very Nice Idea

"What’s going on, Doctor?"

Dr. Winters shook his head. "I never thought I’d hear myself say this, Mrs. Claus. Never in a million years. But what we’ve got here is a bunch of fakers who want to sleep all day long in nice comfy beds. In short, they’re on strike!"

Mrs. Claus thought. "I think I’ve got an idea. It’s not a very nice one, but — "

She whispered into Dr. Winters’ ear.

The reindeer squinted at them. What were they up to?

The doctor held up a needle. He gave it a squirt. The reindeer stirred.

"Now this might smart a little, you reindeer, but it’s for your own good," Dr. Winters said.

The reindeer shot up in bed.

"Don’t be scared," Dr. Winters said. "It'll only take a second."

"I feel a lot better, Dr. Winters," Jingles said.

"M-m-me too," Pokey stuttered.

"See you, Dr. Winters," said Igloo, bolting for the door.

"Don’t call us, we’ll call you," said the rest as they clomped after Igloo.

Mrs. Claus and Dr. Winters split their sides as the reindeer stampeded down the corridor.