A Gift Box Wrapped in Yellow

The Gift Box

Leo never thought he would find a woman as beautiful as Freya. She glistened with pure radiance whenever she spoke, and her long, flowing blonde hair always glimmered in the sun's bright beams. This was Leo's impression of Freya when they first met, and now they are married and living in a small cottage out in the boonies; just where she wanted to be. Away from the loud and obnoxious city life and into a peaceful and calm area of Oregon.

The old grandfather clock struck five o'clock pm and chimed its eerie chime to that exact number. Freya was cooking Leo's favorite dish; Lemon-Garlic Salmon with a side of Asparagus. The house filled with the aroma and Leo felt himself begin to salivate.

The doorbell rang before he had the chance to head into the kitchen to take in the smell of supper. Freya turned the stove off, placed the food on cool burners and went to answer the door. Leo followed behind her to see who it was. He figured maybe his siblings Judy and Mack were coming to visit them. They kept in contact almost daily. Leo would worry if he did not hear from either of them for more than a couple days.

When Freya opened the door, there was a small box sitting there wrapped in a little yellow ribbon. There was no card or anything indicating who would've left it there. She picked it up and turned to show Leo.

"I wonder who left this here?" she asked aloud.

Leo shrugged and Freya gently shook the box. It felt empty, but she could hear something moving around inside.

"Well open it already. What is it with you women having to examine gifts before you open them?" Leo teased.

Freya shot him an annoyed glance then smiled, "You always have a comment, don't you?"

She brought the box inside and carefully pulled the ribbon apart, letting it fall to the floor in a crumpled heap. She popped open the top and reached in to find a piece of paper folded into a small square.

"That was our special delivery?" Leo sneered.

"Let's see what it says. Maybe we won the lottery." Freya laughed.

"Now that would be nice."

Freya unfolded the paper and read the bold lettering:

To whom receives this box:

Life will depend on how you use this ribbon.

What you choose is what you'll be given.

See how its beauty radiates,

And all your mind it captivates.

If at all it meets its end,

Be aware the price it sends.

"Interesting. There's no signature. What could this mean?" Freya asked.

"I don't know, but it looks like a waste of cardboard and paper. What kind of a joke is this?" Leo scoffed.

Freya did not answer or acknowledge his annoyance. She bent over and picked up the ribbon and tied it in her hair.

"How do I look?" she asked flipping her hair behind her neck.

"It looks nice, although that's not really what it's for."

She shrugged, "I don't care. I like it and it makes me feel stylish."

"Whatever makes you happy dear." Leo said.

Later that night, Leo came upstairs after his shower ready to turn in for the night. He threw on his night clothes and crawled into bed with his wife who was sleeping soundly. He turned over to get comfortable and saw the yellow ribbon still in her hair, perfectly tied, unruffled and pure as it came this evening. Leo thought it strange that she would go to bed with this ribbon still in her hair. He contemplated taking it off but decided better of it.