I have plenty of time before work starts, but the heat is really kicking in, and I already feel myself slowing down. I put myself together and try to rush my legs a bit. Just as I start to walk faster, something unexpectedly falls on my feet. I look down. It’s a big, white envelope. I look surprised at it but still pick it up. No point in littering. I look at the name and the address on it.

They all belong to me.

I hear someone clear their throat. I look up and see a young girl, maybe in her mid-twenties. She’s slim, wearing a white t-shirt, black short, and dirty yellow snickers. The soles of her shoes are pink. I look at her shining blonde her. It’s wavy and reaches her shoulders. It seems to jump around when she moves her head. She stares at me irritated.

Freddy Marks?

Yes, that’s me. But how did you...

It’s a part of my job to know.

She crosses her arms and starts to chew a pink gum. She seems to be annoyed to even be here, let alone answer any stupid questions.

But I don’t understand. Who is this from?

I look at the envelope but there is no information on the back. I stare at my watch and notice that I am going to be late for work if I won’t stop talking to this girl. My mind is unmade as I stare at her snickers. I notice a purple skull drawing on her left shoe - it sparkles. I hear her clear her throat again, it seems to be a habit of hers.

Listen now, buddy. I was just supposed to deliver this to Freddy. So once again. Are you Freddy Marks? 55 Sherman Street, Bakersfield, California?

I feel unsettled when she bores those deep blue eyes at me.

Yes, that’s me, but...

No, that’s all I needed to know. Sign this.

She takes a piece of paper from the pocket of her black shorts, unfoldes it and hands it to me. She takes a white pen from the other pocket. I stare at the completely blank piece of paper, but I don’t move for a moment and notice her agitation grow. I feel my cheeks blush, even more, this time not just from the heat outside. I slowly take the paper and she turns around, pointing to her back. I furrow my eyebrows, not understanding for a moment.

Just put the paper on my back and sign the damn thing already. The pen doesn’t work otherwise, and apparently, I’m too “unreliable” to own a hard-pad. Whatever that means.

I do as I’m told and sign it. She turns around, grabs the paper and pen from my hand, and finally smiles. I’m so surprised by the sudden change in her attitude that I stumble back. She catches my hand before I can fall - and I take a deep breath, as I feel this strange electricity when her fingers touch mine.

You alright there?

Her smile turns into a smirk but she doesn’t let go. I force myself to be the one to do it.

Yeah, I think I will survive. It’s not like I got hit by the bus or anything.

She laughs out and my heart does an unexpected summersault. The heat must be getting to me more than I thought. This was a really weird day, and it started as such a boring one. I look at her and she starts to back away, already on her way. Then she decides to give me one more, long stare.

Pleasure doing business with you, Freddy. And make sure to do all the instruction as they are written there. Word by word.

What? What instruction? I don’t understand. Can you please tell me... wait, what is your name, and the company you’re working for?

She stops and gazes at me for a second. I start to sweat again.

Everything you have to know is in the envelope, stranger. All you need to know... and I’m Allison. Also, I don’t have a “company” or an office. I only have rules to follow - and those state: deliver the package. Done, finished.

Then who do you work for?

People, Freddy. I work for people. Now follow the instructions sweety pie, and everything will be alright.

She walks away quickly and I flinch as I stare at her hand. There is another envelope in there. It’s big and white. Just like mine. How did she do that? She doesn’t even have a bag. Just a t-shirt, shorts and a ridiculous pair of snickers.

I stare at the watch and freeze for a second. Then I break into almost a run and hope I won’t get fired. I feel the sweat on my forehead as my feet move faster and faster. My mind almost forgetting the envelope that is in my hand. Almost.

to be continued...

and here is part 2 from @tooldtocare

https://theprose.com/post/242914/the-package-part-ii

“The novel has a particular technical feature; it passes from mind to mind,

showing us the world as a consciousness moves through it...”

about _ “War and Peace”

An hour later, I reach the library and walk in. I sigh with relief. It’s so much cooler here. I wipe the sweat from my forehead, and head for the classic literature and search for the letter T, trying to find Leo Tolstoy. I start with the higher shelves in case the books are messed up, but everything seems in order, so I look down. I feel my eyebrows furrow as my eyes scan the books. Finally, I see it, almost on the bottom shelf. It’s a thick paperback but in good condition. Probably because people don’t read as much as they used to. I take it out and stare at for a moment as if the ordinary looking thing could somehow hold the secrets to the universe. I open it and flick through the pages - It doesn’t. No secrets. I feel like an idiot for even doing this, but at the same time; I feel like there could really be some magic in here.

I move to the reception desk. I see a tall, slim woman standing there. She has black hair pinned up on her head, in an appropriate fashion, perfect for work. I come closer and see that she is wearing a purple sweater, on top of her white, crisp shirt. But wears jeans as well, which make a rather interesting contrast to the boring top. She sees me and smiles. I think she could be in her mid-thirties.

Can I help you with anything?

She stares at my hand and notices the book, so I hand it to her.

I just want to borrow this book.

Do you have a card?

Yes.

I give it to her, and she scans it, and then the book. She looks at the title and smiles again.

Pleasure or necessity?

She asks and points to the book.

We will see, I guess. A friend asks me for it.

Oh, I see. Make sure she treats it right. It’s a very important book in here.

I look doubtful at the cheap paperback and then I at her. She has a strange gleam in her eyes.

How did you know it was for a girl?

When you live long enough and work here, you just now.

Oh... I see.

The way she talks is as if she was at least eighty, when in fact she can’t be more than 35, or 36 tops. For a short moment, I think, I should actually ask for permission to leave. My brain telling me that otherwise, she might not let me get out of here. I quickly shake those thoughts away.

Thank you.

Of course, that’s why I am here. Be sure to come again, Freddy.

I freeze, and my heart starts to beat with speed. I can feel my cheeks start to burn. She sends me a sly smile.

It was on your library card.

I breathe out, nod, and just leave the building as fast as I can, as if the whole place was about to be swallowed up.

____________

I take a taxi to the bus station. The heat wave messing with my already confused, not so logical thinking. I consider all the things that happened up to this point, and I can’t stop feeling shocked. I quit my job. I’m following some ridiculous instruction list. I’m... Hmm, well I’m having the best time I have had in months. I feel the excitement mixing with disbelieve. Allyson. I can’t help myself to stop thinking about her. The electricity from her touch. Her absurd shoes. Her attitude. How a new envelope seemed to just appear in her hand, as if from thin air.

The taxi stops, I pay the guy and step out into the heat. It’s like walking on a blazing pan. I swallow, my mouth already parched. I head to the registers and stand in a long line. After a while, I am the first one and can see a bored looking guy sitting there, his face almost attached to the fan. He looks like he really dislikes his job right now. He looks up.

Yes?

Yes, hello. I would like to buy a ticket. One way.

Of course. Which city?

The guy stares me, irritated that he even had to ask. Wow, I really got those stares a lot, but it was almost impossible to think in this weather. That, plus my brain kept sending me alarms to abort. I ignored those.

One ticket to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

What time and day?

Uhm, it’s for today (I think). When is the next bus leaving?

It leaves in about two hours. 3:15 to be exact. The bus makes longer stops at Los Angeles station, Phoenix, Greyhound station, and then stops at Albuquerque. The ride should take about 23 hours, but that depends on the traffic.

Alright, I’ll take it.

That will be S138,60, sir.

I open my eyes wider. Not the most optimistic option for a guy, that just quit his job. I sigh and pay. I take the ticket and head to buy water. And then I stop when something catches my attention. As if I heard someone call my name, yet no one really did. I look up.

It’s a young woman, maybe still in her late teens. She is wearing a pair of black, ripped jeans; an oversized, faded, blue shirt and a blouse wrapped around her waist. She carries an old backpack on her right shoulder and a big bag on the other. The bag is filled up, stuff threatening to overflow from it at any minute. But that’s not why she caught my attention. It’s the baby that she is nursing in her arms. She walks fast stumping her feet, trying to calm a small infant. It’s wrapped in a blue blanket, so I guess it might be a baby boy. Though I could be wrong, I often am.

I look at her. She seems to be stressed out by something, but I don’t think it’s to do only with the crying baby. That look in her eyes - as if she is leaving something behind. Running away. I stare at her face this time. How old could she really be? 19, 18, less than that? She looks tired like she hasn’t slept in a long while. Then my eyes fall down on the infant. I guess that’s just how it is for young mothers. The babies waking up a couple of times in the night, needing our undying attention. Helpless and defenseless, only wanting our love and care. I shake my head. I had a task to fill and she was the first one I saw. Or was it the baby?

I shake my head again to snap out of it and head her way with some hesitance. I reach her in a few seconds and she looks up at me distracted. As if she wasn’t sure why she was even here. She looks confused and then her expression changes. It’s the motherhood in her kicking in. She holds the baby tighter and stares at me suspiciously. As if I was only there to snatch the infant from her arms and never come back. I can’t really blame her. I see the little one stir and cry again. The mother tries to calm him down by rocking it. Back and forth, back and forth. And as she does it, a little plastic toy falls out.

I have a closer look at it. It’s a rattle in the shape of a smiling bear. I pick it up and hand it to her. She stares at me as if I was carrying some kind of virus. I sigh and put it on a seat behind her. Her expression changes like she suddenly realized that she was doing something wrong. She takes the rattle and wants to put it back in the bag, but the baby seems to be interested in it. So she wipes it against her blouse and gives it to him. The baby starts to make a funny noise, seeming to enjoy the toy.

Sorry about that. I’m just tired. Thanks for picking it up. Most people just ignore a crying baby and suddenly go deaf.

No problem. I just came up to ask you something.

Okay?

Do you need to be somewhere?

Excuse me?

I don’t mean anything bad. Was just curious if you are traveling far. Maybe if you needed some help with getting on a bus with the baby. I don’t mean to intrude.

Oh, uhm... yeah, I need to get somewhere, but I just don’t know if I have enough money for it.

Where do you need to be? Don’t worry, I am not some kind of creep. If you want I can even step away farther.

I smile, trying to make the situation less tense. To prove my point, I step back and lift my hands, so she can see them. She eyes me for a moment but then seems to relax a bit. She exhales.

Okay, I need to get to Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s where my family is. I can’t stay here. The father of the baby is just...

She doesn’t finish but looks around nervously as if something was waiting to get her. Or someone, depending on what she just said. She was running away from him.

I see.

I clear my throat, nervous now. I take out the ticket from my back pocket and hand her the ticket.

For you.

I see her take it slowly and look and what’s written on it. Her eyes grow wider like they are ready to pop out at any moment. She steps back but doesn’t give the ticket back.

I don’t follow.

I was said to give this to you. A young woman with a little baby boy. Black backpack and a bag for the baby. No questions asked.

Are you serious?

Very much so.

Is this a joke?

No, I was being ordered to do so.

By whom?

She still doesn’t look like she believes me.

I don’t think that I should tell.

If you won’t tell me, I am not taking it.

She says with power, but her fingers tighten on the ticket. Like she wants to run away with it but is unsure.

Alright, by a girl. A little blond with an attitude, and strange taste for shoes. She said her name was Allyson.

And you just did what she told you?

Yes, call me weird (I shrug my shoulders) Anyway, the ticket is yours. I can’t take it back.

I start to leave but she stops me, her hand on my arm, It’s a tight grip. I look at her surprised, at the same time I notice that the baby is sleeping. I smile at it. Then my eyes wander back to the girl. I see tears in her eyes, and it’s my turn to look embarrassed.

Thank you. I don’t understand really... but thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me (her voice breaks). And now I can afford the baby formula and some food for me. It’s a long ride to Albuquerque.

Well... you’ re welcome. Glad that I could help.

She smiles at me and wipes away her tears. She heads for the little shop next to the bus station. And I just keep smiling. I actually did something good. I take out the crumpled paper from my other back pocket. I look at the list as my stomach grumbles. I smile, it’s time to eat something. And in two days, I will be eating a very special lunch at Dave’s Taco Shop. I leave the bus station, buy myself a bottle of water, and wonder what will happen next.

__________

And now part 4

https://theprose.com/post/244297/the-package-part-4

.................................................................................................

And for those who want to read part 1 and 2.

https://theprose.com/post/242913/the-package

https://theprose.com/post/242914/the-package-part-ii

I head for the library again, physically and emotionally drained. This has been a rough couple of days for me. I have been dragged to places, given a lot of strange looks, cheered for, and did things that I would have never done otherwise. Somehow with all the incredibility of it all and no actual sense to it, I still wouldn’t go back and change anything. Well, maybe ask the magical girl for her last name.

I walk up to the reception desk like last time and stare at the woman behind the counter. This time it’s a different one, and something about her makes me think she is the queen bee figure here - that people fear and obey. She is older than the woman I met before, maybe in her mid-fifties. She’s wearing a long dark cardigan, and glasses that hang on a delicate silver chain. A white, crisp shirt is buttoned all the way up to her neck, and it seems to have a glow of its own. Just like on a washing powder commercial. I try not to look away from all that whiteness.

She is setting books in order and making disgusted noises while doing so. I watch as she constantly shakes her head slowly, and mumbles something under her breath. I finally clear my throat and she looks up. She fixes the glasses on her pointy nose and sends me a very cold stare. I momentarily forget about the heat outside and feel a chill run down my spine. Her eyes narrow and she picks up another book, letting me know that I am interrupting her.

Yes? How may I help you?

She puts a pressure on the word ‘help’ and her gaze seems to penetrate right to my soul. I shiver.

Ah, it’s kind of cold here. The air conditioning must be working at full speed.

I clear my throat as uncomfortable silence settles in between us.

I mean, I have a book to return.

I hand it awkwardly to her and she raises her eyebrows almost all the way to her hairline.

“War and Peace”? A very interesting choice. It’s in a bit of a mess, wouldn’t you say?

I will cover all the damage costs.

Of course, you will. Still. You and this book?

I can’t seem to understand the surprise in her voice. Did I look extra dumb today? Because that was a perfectly normal book to pick. A classic that is regarded as a central work of world literature, and one of Tolstoy’s finest literary achievements. And not multiple shades of some Gray guy.

Yes, me. Is there any problem?

No. There is no problem when it comes to reading and literature. Only to understand the messages hidden in words.

My eyes widen. Did everybody suddenly start to talk in riddles and weird sentences? Or did I just started to notice it now? I feel frustration taking over me.

Can I please, just return the book?

Of course, and cover the damage fine. That will be $22.

I didn’t comment on the price since the book is only a paperback but just pay the woman in a desperate need to just get out of this library.

__________

Once outside, I take out the list that is by now pretty much embroiled in my brain - and look at the last number, even though I know it by heart. I couldn’t forget it even if I wanted to.

My heart starts to pound loudly in my chest. This is the last one and then it’s over. I sigh. Is that a good thing? That it’s all over? And why do I even worry? It’s not like something could actually happen now. Like she could just come out of thin air, right? After everything that happened to me, I am still doubtful that the last part of this instruction could work. But then again, why not? I take a deep breath and my lips part.

Allyson.

Silence. Complete silence. Just birds in the background mocking me with their little songs. Nothing happens for a while and I feel deep disappointment taking over me. I close my eyes, cover my face with my hands and moan. Why did I even do all of this? For what? I think of the girl with the baby, on the bus station; about how she is safe and sound with her parents. About the taco shop owner, and how glad he was that he found help and that the business was running better now. That I had a job now, that I might actually like. I think of her, and her name slips out of my mouth again. Softer, with longing.

Allyson.

My face is still covered but I feel warm fingers on my hands. They pull both of my hands away, and I can see her now. Looking at me in wonder, smiling playfully. I exhale. She steps back, puts her head to the side and stares at me curiously.

Missed me?

You have no idea.

The words fall out before I can even stop them. Her smile widens, and I see a white envelope in her hand. I blink a couple of times, not sure how to react to all of this. I look at her and her long, yellow dress. I am seeing her only for the second time, but the view shocks me somehow. As if my mind could only imagine her in a white t-shirt and black shorts. I gaze at the dress. It’s on thin straps and it has tiny flowers cut out in the fabric. The material that it’s made of looks very delicate and the dress ends about 7 inches before her shoes. The same old pair of sneakers; yellow, pink at the bottom, and with a purple skull on the side. I shake my head. She still stares at me.

I think I have a clue. Just in the way, you said my name.

It didn’t work the first time.

It needed a good jump start.

I see. Maybe if I had said “there is no place like home”, then it would have worked sooner?

Yes, maybe then. After all, riding on a hurricane takes some time.

I stare at her surprised. My mouth gaping open. She rolls her eyes.

I was kidding, Freddy. I just walked here. I was around.

Around?

Yes, this is sort of a checkout point for me. And from what I heard, you did make it all on time, so there was no point you wouldn’t be here now. Besides, Amanda tipped me off.

Amanda...

Yeah, the mean looking lady at the library. She tends to be intense at times. Hope she hasn’t bothered you too much.

Wait, so you know her?

Of course. I know tons of people, Freddy. I also know Amelia, she does the morning shift. Much nicer with the clients, wouldn’t you say?

I don’t think that I follow any of what you’re saying. All I know is that I did everything on the list and was really looking forward to seeing you again.

That’s alright. You don’t need to understand as long as your heart is in the right place. That’s always our biggest condition in this sector.

You’re losing me again.

That’s because you think too much, honey. Just take it all in and except it. It makes the whole process easier, and a lot less stressing.

I come close to her and hold her hand. It’s her turn to look surprised. She stares at it as if she didn’t understand my touch and any physical interactions were alien to her. I let go and step back.

Sorry, I just guess, I had to make sure that you were real.

She puts a hand lightly on my cheek and smiles, and I feel like my heart might jump out of my chest and abort. She lets go and hands me the envelope.

I understand. It’s hard to wrap your mind around all of this.

She makes a circle sign with her hands, and finally, I relax. I look at the envelope that I’m holding and freeze just like the first time. Only that it’s not the same this time. It’s not my name on the envelope, it’s my mothers.

I don’t understand. Does this mean...?

I start to say, my body shaking. Fear taking over me. She sees my reaction, and steps closer. She stands on her fingers and kisses me lightly on the lips. My eyes close and I put a hand on the lower of her back. That’s when she moves away, and my mind is more confused than ever. Though I’m not scared anymore.

Open your eyes, Freddy. It’s nothing bad. Yes, that’s better, Now look at me.

My eyes never leave hers as she starts to speak.

You did well, better than we thought you would. Now, it might not seem that what you did was such a grand thing, but many lives have been changed for the better because of you. It made a difference. And because of you, we can move along with our plans now.

What plans?

I can feel my mouth going completely dry. My brain trying to desperately figure all of this out.

It’s complicated. All you need to know is that every action causes an equal and opposite reaction. Which means whatever you put into this world it comes back in one form or another. And for every good choice, we can work, and alternate the future events. That’s what we’re trained to do. That’s what I was trained to do.

Please tell me more.

I will. Don’t worry. Maybe if you ask me some question. Because it would take me weeks, if not months to explain everything to even remotely bring any clarity.

Hmm, okay. I can do that.

Then go ahead. I’m all yours.

I try not to listen how loud my heart beats under my lungs when she says those words.

Alright. Something easy, I hope. The ad in the newspaper. How was that important?

Oh, that’s actually funny. Remember the owner of the taco place?

I just nod my head.

Well, he was thinking of not only finding a cook but also some extra kitchen help. Maybe some student or a kid trying to make extra money for school. Not sure, really. Anyway... where was I? Oh, yes. He wanted to do it but didn’t have enough motivation because the business was doing fine, but not over the top.

And?

And, my dear Freddy. He only got the motivation when he met you, and you needed the extra meal on the menu.

She looks at me, and then she giggles. I look surprised at her.

Sorry about that. You were so intense about that. In the restaurant, I mean. Like nothing was going to stop you. Don’t look at me like that, I just know. I have eyes everywhere... not literally, hun. Just a figure of speech.

I understand, I just don’t know what to believe anymore.

That’s alright. So, the taco place owner looks through the paper, and there it is. The add. Lisa’s phone number.

Does he...?

Oh, yes. All too well. They met last year, on their vacation and fell in love instantly. They were going to meet up again as soon as they would settle in, after coming back from the trip.

But?

I can feel myself going impatient. So curious where this was leading.

But, Lisa got robbed and lost all his information. Like addresses and phone numbers. And Mike; that’s the name of the owner.

Go on, please.

Well, you wouldn’t believe, but his phone fell into the river by accident - but in truth, that was one of our people. Not like you, he didn’t follow his mission correctly. That’s why we had to fix it and find you. You seemed like a better option.

But how...?

Let me finish. I’m getting there. The agency found you and you delivered, so to speak. Now, thanks to you, Mike recognized Lisa’s phone number and could call her. Unfortunately, we will have to find a different guy, for what will follow, but we are hopeful about it. It should work smoothly.

A different guy for what?

Oh, that’s a couple of years in the future and it concerns Lisa’s baby. But that is a completely different story. We need to figure a couple of things first. Oh, you look pale, Freddy. Come on, let’s sit down.

I just nod my head, as she leads me to a bench located under a big chestnut tree. I sit down and try not to think too much as she puts a hand on mine and her fingers trace the lines on it. She tries to relax me, and I am grateful for it.

I’m fine now, proceed.

There isn’t that much to tell in their story.

No, not about Lisa and Mike. About my mum. How did you know that she was in the hospital?

Oh, Freddy. By now you should know, that nothing is impossible.

Why did you send me there?

To let your mother know that you care and that she doesn’t need to be afraid. She was scared to tell you this. Because the relationship that you had with her, wasn’t like it used to be before. You were getting farther away from your family. Well, that and we had a situation at the flower shop, that you purchased the bouquet for your mum.

Excuse me?

Oh nothing big, just some little stuff - yet you had to be there at that precise day.

And my mum?

Well, we just wanted for you to reconnect... and for her to hear about me.

I don’t follow.

Well, how do you think your parents met?

I stare at her as my eyes just get wider and wider. I’m wondering if they will pop out at any moment now.

Allyson, this is too much for me...

No, wait. I am almost done.

She squeezes my hand and my worried mind slows down. I cannot resist her, so I just listen patiently. She stares at me for a moment, then proceeds.

Okay, listen. People like me, have been in this business for generations. Almost from the very beginning. You’re obviously not the only one that we hire.

Yes, I realize that by now.

Shhh, don’t interrupt me. Your parents met because of one of our workers.

Why?

Because it was meant to be.

That can’t be all.

But it is. We had them in our register, and from what I hear from Clara...

Clara?

My boss. She used to work on the streets like me. Finding people that would carry out instructions and help us, when things went wrong.

She sighs deeply.

It’s hard work.

So this Clara knew my parents?

Oh, yes, she was the one that picked out your name... but that’s a story for another day. Besides, it all had to happen. I mean, we couldn’t possibly follow through with Lisa, otherwise.

Wait, what?

Oh, she was the girl that went to nursery with you. Don’t make those eyes at me. It’s complicated but it’s true. Your father was meant to look after her if anything happened with the previous plan.

Allyson, please...

Okay, calm down. All you need to know is that you did well. And like before, all you need to know that every action causes an equal and opposite reaction.

What does that even mean?

It means that for good things you do in life, something good will come back to you. You didn’t need to follow the instruction, you could have just said no. But you didn’t.

She taps on the envelope that I forgot I was even holding. I start to shake, my mind so confused.

What is in there?

Look into it.

I do as she asks. I open the envelope with my mother’s name on it. I notice that there is also a name of the hospital that she is in. I swallow hard. My hands shake, I open it and pull out medical files. Tests results. It’s dated five months back. I look up at her, she smiles.

Just read, love.

I look down at the papers. I don’t understand all of the medical jargon but a sentence at the bottom catches my eye.

“Stage 1, Cancer. Early discovery. Chances of curing: high”

I read the line over and over again. I don’t understand what I am reading.

Is this some kind of joke. I saw my mother at the hospital. She wasn’t well, to say the least.

We handled it, Freddy. Everything is going to be alright.

But how?

You think this is our first interference in time? How do you think we know stuff ahead?

That’s not possible.

Hey, if you don’t believe me, go see your mother, she’s at home now. So you go there, see how she is doing, and be the best son a mother could ever wish for. Are we clear? Because this was not easy to pull off.

I... I don’t know what to say.

How about “Thank you, Allyson, you look amazing in this dress”?

Thank you, and the word amazing doesn’t even begin to cover it.

She smiles at me and stands up, she gives me her hand and I take it. We stand there for a moment. Finally, I bend down and kiss her. Her lips are soft, and she smells like sunflowers in the sun. I pull back. She opens her eyes and sends me a shameful smile.

We are not supposed to get involved with our clients, but I just couldn’t resist myself for just a little.

Well, I have been under your spell from the first minute.

She gives me a big smile but then turns serious.

I have to leave now. My job here is done.

Does this mean I will never see you again?

I feel panic and sadness fills me at the same time. Her expression turns sly.

Oh, I wouldn’t say that. I will definitely be around and might bump into you in the future... Now, go visit your mum. She will really love it.

I nod my head and look as she leaves. Nothing magical happens, she doesn’t fly away, disappear into thin air. She just walks up to a bike that I didn’t see before and rides away. But before she is out of my sight, she turns her head and grins at me. As if this wasn’t the end yet. I smile back. I like to think and somehow deep down know that, that’s exactly how it’s going to be. I walk to catch the bus and think about a ridiculous pair of sneakers, and the girl that wore them.

The End.

Well, almost...

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https://theprose.com/post/242913/the-package

https://theprose.com/post/242914/the-package-part-ii

https://theprose.com/post/244138/the-package-part-3

https://theprose.com/post/244297/the-package-part-4