The package.
“The package on my doorstep had my name, but I definitely didn’t order it.”
I didn't panic or scream like a mad woman like my younger self would have done if it were years ago. I am now a big girl, way experienced, and have seen way more horror movies that have gotten me ready for days like this.
Besides, I was sure the only thing that can be horrifying to me at this age is seeing a freshly cut body part of a human served on a platter and sent as a package sent to my doorstep which has a zero percent chance of happening in my country… maybe, for now I added with a shrug.
So, when I had gotten back from throwing out the trash close to my apartment and had seen a package with my name clearly written on it right on my doorstep, I didn't stagger or look around like a lost soul. Well, I must confess I did move a step back to be sure it wasn't a bomb but, a bigger and bolder part of me had picked it up and gone inside my apartment like it was no big deal.
I mean, if someone was recording me as I picked it up, I wasn't ready to give them the lady-like siren of a scream. Nah! The nonchalant behavior should serve them right in case there would be a next time.
The package wasn't light and not heavy either. As I placed it on my kitchen counter. I had a 3 minute staring contest with it before it must have assumed it won because I decided to look away.
With hands akimbo, I bite gently on my lower lip before moving closer to the object of my recent concern. A big part of me wanted to shake it endlessly, but I stopped that thought from being a reality. Instead, I placed my nose on the box and smelled it like a dog digging for a bone, but there wasn't any smell, which was odd still, I maintained my cool.
I went on with my daily activities but would eye the package each time I got near, which was every time. I waited patiently, hoping whoever sent the package would call or even send me a message. But, none came, and I didn't like that one bit.
As more time passed by without a call, I hissed silently and muttered incoherent words under my breath.
Placing my left hand on my head and the right one on my waist like a pregnant lady, I rolled my eyes for the umpteenth time and then it occurred to me who the sender might be and I knew I didn't need to think much on who would play such a game on me.
I mean, it was obvious who would plan such a thing to throw me off balance and make me scared.
To invoke fear!
It was what she did best, and this must be part of her craziest mind games.
A big part of me… a larger part - wanted to badly open the package or call her, but I didn't want her to feel like I was thrilled or curious about her gift.
Yes … Her. My elder sister.
She was so fond of it. Just the thought of seeing me shitlessly scared seems to always make her happy, so happy like she won a lottery, and I just refuse to understand why.
I can still remember times she had played little tricks like that on me. Got me in trouble for things she did, and locked me up with a chicken because I am scared of it and even… gosh! This is so embarrassing… she had even chased me around our compound with dead rats or cockroaches, which always made me scream like a kid on sugar. To her, that was her way of making me stronger and being able to face my fears.
… and did it work?
As much as I'd like to scrunch my face up and say it didn't, I can't help applauding the fact that it did work. I learned the hard way and knowing her, she must have seen a recent horror movie that would have dealt with unordered package delivery. Maybe she thought I must have watched it too, and that's why she sent this package over.
“Yes! That must be it” I half screamed with a large grin on my face, shaking my head like I just solved a serial murder case.
Picking up my phone from the kitchen counter, I dialed her number and waited for the usual unnecessary ringtone that comes from service providers.
The phone rang continuously, but no one picked it up, and just as I was ready to end the call and call her next line, a tired voice came in.
“Hello, madame.” she spoke silently in her usual voice, but I felt something was amiss with her voice.
“Are you okay?” she asked, a bit concerned.
“Don't mind this catarrh jare. It just came out before I went to sleep last night.” she replied with a sleepy yet frustrated voice.
“… and I guess you were sleeping, and I woke you up. Sorry about that, but I saw the package you sent. What's new?” I asked, placing my hand on my cheek.
“Package? What package? Wait… did you receive a package from someone? What's inside?” she questioned with a lighter and most especially a curious tone.
Closing my eyes briefly, I let out a long sigh.
“You didn't send anything?” I asked again, though I was sure her curious state already gave the answer. Still, I knew it wouldn't hurt to be too sure, but I let it go.
“Why would I send you a package when I could scare you myself?” she asked with a deep chuckle before letting out a huge sneeze.
“Serves you right.” I muttered under my breath before ending the call with a smile, but the smile didn't stay for long as I stared at the box again.
Left with no choice, I opened the box carefully like I wasunravellingg the secret behind a recently acquired Chinese artefact. Maybe it could be a priceless jewel, I thought with a snicker smile. And I was right.
It was indeed a priceless jewel.
My eyebrows furrowed together but lit up the moment my finger grazed the item in the box. The cloth material was soft and so dreamy. Just then, I noticed a purse, heels, and a smaller box that contained two sets of earrings … They were all matched and glowed like the stars in the night. With a shuddering breath, I quickly closed the box before taking a deep breath. Opening the box again, I couldn't help the smile that took hold of her face.
A giggle escaped my lips as I swoon over the dress before finally giving in to the urge to pick up and inhale the fragrance that tells wonderful tales of the newness behind the dress.
Closing my eyes briefly, I could already picture myself with the dress clinging on my body.
Grrrrinnng… Her phone rang, cutting short my road to the fantasy world with the dress. Picking up the call, a laugh erupted from my lips as I remembered what day it was.
“You!” I said with a smile, and then giggles filled up my ear drum.
“I knew you'd always forget. You don't remember your birthday or even get yourself those sweet things you deserve.” the voice said, and I couldn't help but laugh.
“You tricked me.” I replied between laughter.
“Well, this wasn't how I expected it to go. I had this dialogue planned out, but having this catarrh just ruined it.” she responded, and I could picture her shaking her head with a pout.
“You still tricked me, so… you won.” I responded.
“But you weren't scared.” she answered.
And I laughed so hard that tears streamed down my cheeks. “Well, I am now a big girl. I guess you haven't heard.” I replied with a big smile.
This is a fictional piece.
Still yours truly,
Balikis.
Thanks for reading.
Peace be unto those who crave it and more to those who chase it away.