Zodiac Street

96|| What an interesting artifact

"Thank you for the package." Alex smiled at the mail carrier at the front door, "I'll be honest, I was not expecting a package."

"Well, perhaps the sender wanted to give it as a gift? It could be a gift." the carrier suggested.

Alex nodded and looked down at the tiny package they received. It was square and fit in the palm of their hand. The package was neatly wrapped in tan wrapping paper and was tied by hemp string like a birthday present. Written in black marker was Alex's name and address.

They wondered who it was from.

"Could be." Alex looked up from the package. "Hey, do you happen to know the sender?"

The carrier crossed her arms. "Not exactly. Why? Is something wrong? You know if any problems arise from the delivery, you can let the office kn-"

"No, no. Nothing's wrong. Don't worry about it." Alex cut her off. "Sorry. I was just curious to know. There is nothing wrong with the package."

"Well," the mail carrier shrugged, "Ah, never mind." She pulled out a similar package and smiled. "Well, it is nice meeting you. I wish we could chat more but I have this package to leave at the doorstep of House 8. It's for someone named Phoebe."

"Oh, I know her!" Alex raised their brows, "She is a friend of mine."

"Oh? That's cool."

"It is, she's a lovely person. Do you know where the house is?" Alex crossed their arms.

"Yes. A kind girl from here showed me."

A kind girl? Alex went through the potential options. The only ones that came to mind were Lizzy, Tahlia and Carol. "Do you know what she looks like? I think I may know the kind girl."

"Well she is tall." the carrier recalled.

The potential options in Alex's head shattered.

"She has freckles and she had dark ginger hair tied into a ponytail." the carrier continued. "She showed me to where this house is alongside House 8."

Oh, it's Alyssa. Alex stifled a laugh. They had never heard anyone describe Alyssa as 'kind'. Usually, it is the other way around.

"Did I say something funny?" the carrier tilted her head. "I hope I wasn't wrong about her. She looks like a sweet, young lady."

"No, no. I'm sorry. I remembered something funny." Alex cleared their throat. "I know that girl. She is a friend of mine. Just like everyone here. I know them all."

"Really?" the carrier asked, her voice hitched. She cleared her throat. "Sorry. But that's amazing. This neighbourhood reminds me of a neighbourhood my colleagues always talk about."

"Oh? What is the neighbourhood like?"

"Well I've never been to it, I'm new here. But from what I heard the neighbourhood is extremely loud but the neighbours are a close-knit of friends. And this neighbourhood is so quiet and peaceful."

Alex kept a straight face. Inside they felt like laughing. "Definitely."

'Not' Alex wanted to add.

They continued "That is why I stayed here! It is quiet and homey."

"I can see that." the carrier brushed a gloved hand on her neon green uniform. She looked down at the package in her hand- one that was similar to the one Alex held. "Well, I have to continue these deliveries." She turned to Alex with a smile. "It was nice chatting with you. Take care!"

"Feeling's mutual!" Alex waved to the carrier who turned on her heel to walk to House 8. "See you later!"

Once the carrier was out of the front yard, Alex slammed the door shut and laughed to themself. 'Poor her.' they thought.