y N

nd, recognizing the voice, I r

y Ja

my package?"

I shrugged,

ered the mystery of the package, my mind became a whirlwind of possibility, I kept wondering what the content of the package

mas morning, I was woke

ement washed over me, I hurried downstairs and found a middle-aged woman loosely chewing gum

" what could be inside" I thought to mysel

, followed by a note card. The note was scribbled in Jason's

t to get you, so I thought I'd give you ca

felt a tender bruise that throbs with every memory, a lingering soreness that wouldn't

, what I truly desire is his affection and companionship. I tried calling him twice, but he didn't pick up, an

the constant gift?," I'm not some damsel in distress, I can take care of myself, your gestures

his deep voice rumbled through the phone, like a gentle thunder on a summer day, "I'm here, Nina". your father entrusted me with your care, and I

to who has refused to return my affection, my heart beats solely for him, m

my love, my eyes are sunken from sleepless nights spent pining for him, my skin pale from the weight of unrequited love, my smil

g voice, and wished her a merry Christmas too. As the phone rang, I felt a sense of relief wash over me, grateful for the distraction from the whirlwind of emotions that had been swirling in my mind. When she answered, her cheerful"Hey sweetie!" Was like a balm to my soul, we chatted for a bit, catching up on each other's lives and I found myself relaxing into the familiar rhythm of our conversation. For a brief moment, I forgot about the mystery of Jason's package and the flutter in my chest, lo

ay hi to you", "Should

feelings towards him are decidedly unfavorable, and I would rather not

fond of Fred, but he wasn't the

u fight for your relationship with Dad?" I asked with tears streaming down my face, tears shed in sorrow, borne of the an

between me and your dad," she spoke with a tremulous voice, the quaver, audible even through the telephone connection, "this is not a conversation suitable for telephone, I wish to discuss it with you in person." She said. I discerned the depth of her si

s relationship had seemed so robust, so perfectly loving, I couldn't help but wonder, in a state of utt