Scattered Souls

Chapter 1 - The Cryptic Gift

The sound of pebbles hitting against my window woke me up. I irritatedly opened my eyes and made my way to my window, trying to locate the source of the noise, ready to chase off whichever kids were amusing themselves outside.

Imagine my surprise when my yard was completely empty. I'm pretty sure I couldn't have just imagined the monotonous sound that woke me from my sleep.

I went back to bed, thinking maybe third time's a charm and I'd finally have a peaceful sleep after my nightmare this morning and now this annoying sound of pebbles disturbing me.

As I was almost drifting into dreamland, on the brink of reaching the peaceful state I desired, the sound of pebbles hitting against my window invaded my mind again.

I instantly woke up and ran to my window, eager to catch whoever it was that had the audacity to play such a prank at 5am and give them a piece of my mind.

I was utterly confused when again I found that the yard was completely empty. Determined to prove(to myself mostly) that I wasn't losing my mind, I hurried downstairs and opened the front door, my eyes thoroughly scanning the yard.

With an exasperated sigh, I decided to give up my morning investigation and head inside when a shiny object on the front porch caught my eye.

Upon closer inspection I realized it was a gift nicely wrapped in glittery gold wrapping. The box was quite big and a bit on the heavier side. This had to be a birthday gift. Damn, is this how people do gift giving nowadays? Disturb your sleep and mysteriously leave it on your doorstep(quite literally might I add).

Nevertheless, I took the gift inside, eager to find out what this mystery box contained. When I got to my room, I immediately tore off the wrapping and peaked inside, completely unprepared for the stunning object that greeted my eyes.

I had never dreamed of receiving such a fancy birthday gift. It was a gold music box in the shape of a teapot that played the tune of Amazing Grace. It was utterly beautiful.

Fortunately, there was a card in the box as well, as I really needed to satisfy the curiosity regarding who the gift was from.

A most complex construction
Of creation and destruction
Of good and evil deeds
Of noblest thoughts and selfish needs
Your imagination in the lead
Immortal since we don't bleed

As you've turned eighteen you've now inherited this gift. To be used for good or evil. The power it contains lies in your hands.

Happy eighteenth birthday darling, Love Gran.

The cryptic riddle on the card left me beyond confused. So many questions flooded my mind. How did gran arrange to have this delivered? Why would she write a riddle instead of a normal birthday greeting? How was the riddle even remotely related to the music box? None of it made sense. And the only person who could answer these questions was no longer in this world.