Oblivion

40| Its the most wonderfull time

JOSEPHINE

Quietly and on tiptoe, I tried to sneak back into my room after letting the dogs out again. It was still snowing relentlessly outside when- "Have you checked on your gifts?" Matteo asked, his eyes wide with an unusual urgency. I jumped, startled.

"What are you doing under the stairs?" I asked, trying to calm myself.

"Gifts," he replied as if that was a perfectly logical answer. I shook my head and turned to leave, but he grabbed my ankle. "Yours are still missing."

"I know, but it'll be a while until everyone is awake."

Matteo grinned mischievously. "Not for long. We should wake my brothers!"

I frowned, shaking my head firmly. "No way. Let them sleep. They need their rest."

"Come on, Josephine! It's Christmas! We can't let them miss it!" he insisted.

"It's too early, and they'll just be grumpy and you just want to open your presents," I replied. "How about we play Mario Kart instead? We can have our own little celebration until they wake up."

"Alright, but we should keep an eye on the time!" Matteo said, already heading toward the living room. We tiptoed into the living room, careful not to make a sound. At least I did. I grabbed the game console while Matteo rummaged through the kitchen for the leftover cookies. The colorful lights from the tree twinkled around us, adding to the festive atmosphere. 'Next year, I will give everyone a "sleep-in" voucher as a gift.', I thought to myself.

____________

"Okay, my gifts first!" Matteo exclaimed, as soon as the other ones arrived, practically bouncing on his feet, his enthusiasm palpable as he sprinted toward the towering pile of colorful boxes. "Here, Vito!" He thrust a bright red present into his brother's hands, his face a radiant mix of glee and anticipation. "This is for you, and this is for you, and this is definitely for you!" With childlike delight, he tossed gifts around like confetti, laughter spilling from his lips, until he finally stopped in front of me, holding the largest package high. "And this is for you!"

"Thank you," I replied, cradling the gift with both hands, the weight of anticipation settling in my chest-a mystery wrapped in bright paper. As I slowly peeled back the wrapping, my heart skipped a beat when I discovered a life jacket nestled inside. Confusion washed over me, and I looked up at Matteo, brow furrowed.

"This is a life jacket," he explained earnestly, eyes glimmering with sincerity. "It's more symbolic than anything, but I spoke with Dr. Bradford. He said you can work on your fear of water. When we fly to Italy this summer, you should be able to swim and I can teach you!" His warmth ignited a genuine smile across my face as I absorbed the true meaning behind the gift.

Before I could express my gratitude, Valentino interjected, a teasing grin plastered across his face. "Thank yous at the end! Always at the end!" Matteo rolled his eyes, laughter bubbling beneath the surface as he eagerly turned to his next gifts. I watched him light up over a small herb garden, his excitement contagious, so engrossed that he nearly overlooked the gift from Vito and Domenico. Almost.

"It's small," Matteo murmured, shaking the package curiously. "It rattles. Hmm." He paused, considering it, then tore into the wrapping, his expression shifting from curiosity to shock as he unveiled a sleek black key. Glancing between Vito and Domenico, he stammered, "Is that-"

"-my car key?" Riccardo exclaimed, disbelief mingling with a hint of dread in his voice. "What's going on?"

"Calm down," Domenico replied nonchalantly, handing Riccardo another gift with a smirk. Riccardo, still flustered, tore it open to reveal yet another car key. "Nino?" He looked to his brother, who winked at him mischievously. "But my Golf!"