Solomon took life seriously.  He was an eight year old elf.  He was known as Solemn Solomon.  He was an old soul.  He took his responsibilities very seriously.

Solomon was always the last elf to leave his puzzle workshop.  After everyone had left, he walked around the workshop picking up every discarded scrap.  There was a fire hazard because every workshop had a fireplace for added warmth.  Scraps added to the fire hazard.  The housekeeping elves were meticulous, but Solomon added his little mite in keeping the workshop spic and span.

Solomon’s dormitory was not too far from the workshops.  His bedroom window overlooked the expanse of workshops.  He always watched from his windows.  If anything untoward happened, his watchful eyes could make note of every detail.

Solomon worked in the puzzle workshop.  It was very suitable for someone with his temperament.  His attention to detail came in very handy when it came to designing puzzles.  The workshop created many varieties of puzzles: jigsaw puzzles, cryptograms, rebus puzzles, 3D puzzles, logical puzzles, mechanical puzzles, number puzzles, rational puzzles, crossword puzzles, and many more.

One day, Solomon went through his routine of checking around the room before signing out.  Everything appeared to be  all right.   He banked the fireplace.  It was uncanny that a little elf took care of this.  He turned off the light and closed the door.  Then, he walked towards his dorm.

While in the dorm, he had time to eat dinner and take shower.  Before he went to bed, he glanced towards the workshops.  The curtains were not closed.  So, he could see the workshops.  Suddenly, he saw some lighted area.  It was the stuffed animal workshop.  He was taken aback because this lighted area was unexpected.  He peered again. Sure enough,  the light came from one workshop.  He was puzzling about the light.  Suddenly, he started running.  He realized that there was only one reason for the light.  It must be the fireplace.  Someone had forgotten to bank it.

Solomon reached the door and put his hand on the door handle. As luck would have it, the door opened.  Someone had forgotten to lock it.  Solomon ran inside.  He quickly noted that there were fabric scraps scattered around the floor.  The fire was alive and some sparks have flown over them.  The light came from the fire that was spreading.  Solomon’s watchfulness was providential.

solomon took one look and realized that he had to act quickly.     They were all taught fire safety instructions on the first day itself.  Right away, he ran to the fire alarm because he knew that he needed adult help. Once he activated the alarm, he turned to the fire.

Solomon’s early detection saved the day. He unhooked the hose from its peg and directed the spray of water to the fire.  This retarded the spreading of flames.  By the time the adults came in, Solomon had the fire in some control.  The older elves took over and sent Solomon to sleep.  They took the time to pat him on the shoulder before sending him to bed.

Next morning, Santa called an impromptu meeting.  All the elves gathered in the auditorium.  Santa climbed the steps to the stage.  He invited Solomon to come up to the stage.  When the young elf came up to him, Santa shook his hand and pinned a medal on Solomon’s shirt and said, “I present to you, Solomon, this medal of Bravery for your timely action in saving the workshop.  Thank you.”

Suddenly, the hall shook by the thunderous applause from all the elves who gathered in the hall.  There was a big smile on Solomon’s face.  He was not ‘solemn’ any more.