Page 48 of Callan

This gift was probably supposed to be delivered to someone else.

I pick it up with great care and study the delicate tiny Christmas tree pattern spread across the white silver background.

The wrapping paper rustles against my touch as I search for a card.There is no card, which only makes everything even more mysterious.

Where should I take this gift?And who should I ask about it?

A mellow Christmas song wafts down the stairwell from upstairs.

Was this gift meant for Carmen?

It’s not completely out of the question, although I’ve never gotten her packages before. On the other hand, I haven’t lived here long enough to deal with that, either.

Maybe it’s hers.

I walk back, set the gift on the couch, and head straight to my closet. But before changing my clothes to go up and knock on her door, I change my mind, return to the living room, and scoop up the gift.

What if it’s mine?

And what if I open the box and peek inside to make sure it’s not mine?

There’s nothing wrong with that.

There’s no address on it. I’m not breaking any laws. I think?

I bring a sharp knife from the kitchen, and with maximum precision, I make a tiny opening in the wrapping paper before partially peeling it off.

A lovely box with embossed Christmas trees peeks from underneath.

And then I notice the little note with my handwritten name on it.

Mackenzie.

A timid smile crawls across my lips.Is this really for me?

My eyes could water just about now, I’m that emotional.

I remove the wrapping paper entirely and slide the lid off. My eyes fill with awe. Inside the box, I find a soft, fuzzy pink sweater, a scarf, and matching gloves.

Next to them, there's a box of chocolates.

And next to the box, an envelope.

I lift it and open it.

Five one hundred bills fall from it, revealing the words underneath.

‘I thought pink would look good on you.

Merry Christmas,

Callan’

Uh…What?

A soft chuckle gurgles in my throat.

Is he hitting on me now?

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