Valentiny Contest

Posted on by Monica Acker

I hope you have nothing but love for my submission to Susanna Hill’s Valentiny Contest. The contest rules and description can be found at https://susannahill.com/2019/02/13/oh-guilty-heart-the-4th-annual-valentiny-writing-contest/

Here Goes:

Cupid Quits!

At the January meeting of Holiday Mascots, Cupid stomped his feet and whined, declaring himself grown-up. He traded in his bow and arrow for a guitar. He ditched his diaper for leather. Throwing a tantrum, Cupid quit.

Two weeks later an emergency Mascot meeting was held. Cupid needed replacing.

Easter Bunny hopped up and down. Turkey trotted back and forth. Jack-O-Lantern looked dim.

They thought Santa could do it (right colors).

But he was on vacation.

They pondered giving Groundhog double duty.

But if he saw his shadow he would sleep through Valentine’s.

They considered hiring someone new.

Armadillo had inquired about work.

The Mascots turned to their leader. “Cupid needs time to realize his gift for spreading love is irreplaceable.” Father Time stroked his long beard. “He needs to know our love too”

The door creaked open. In shuffled Cupid with a guitar strapped where his bow once was. His fingers trembled as his eyes darted from mascot to mascot. Cupid’s lip quivered. He placed his guitar on the table and dropped his leather jacket to the floor. He begged for forgiveness. He pleaded for his job back.

Father Time handed Cupid his arrows. Relieved, Cupid picked up his bow.

Father Time handed Cupid his leather jacket. Joyful, Cupid pinned on his diaper.

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Author:

Monica Acker is an author and educator located in Massachusetts. She is the author of Brave Like Mom (illustrated by Paran Kim) and The Legend of Leo the Dandelion (2026, illustrated by Mikel Valverde). When not writing, Monica spends her time as the mom taxi to her three children and dreaming up vacations with her husband.

14 thoughts on “Valentiny Contest”

  3. They always want to grow-up to then realize they had it good. I live that you included the other mascots. Provides a lot of rich visuals and illustrations. Good luck!

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  7. Fun story, Monica! I love the inclusion of the other holiday mascots! And I love that Cupid has a tantrum about wanting to be grown up 🙂 Was it his guilt about leaving them in the lurch that brought him back… or maybe just that he’d come to appreciate what he had?! 🙂 Thanks for joining in the Valentiny fun!

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