The Gift
by Cassandra
Chapter 1
It was New year's eve, an ordinary day for him. Terry was alone, sitting in his small living room reading the newspaper. There was much going on around the city; people were getting ready for the occasion, some were having a party, others were going to see the ball drop in Times Square. However Terrence Grandchester was doing the same old stuff-- spending the New year alone, not that no one invited him, but he would rather be alone than mingle with others. He got up from his place on the couch and moved to the window. He looked out it. There were lights and people bustling about below. A desolate loneliness crept over him as he backed away from the window. He wanted to hide, pretend it wasn't New year, pretend he wasn't alone. He picked up the newspaper. After reading for an hour, he walked quietly to the bedroom to sleep.
Another New year to spend. Alone.
Terry woke up the next morning at about 9 A.M. He got dressed and came out into his living room. He was preparing breakfast for himself when he heard a knock on his door. He opened the door to find no one there. He was about to shut the door when he saw a package and card at his feet. It was rather a small box, for the size of jewelry. He picked it up and closed the door. He sat the mysterious small box on the counter. He looked at the card that was in an off white envelope. He opened the envelope carefully and cautiously. It was a card. On the front there was a red ribbon lavishly decorated. Written in beautifully scripted handwriting. "Terry" above it. Then he opened it on the left side there was a tiny rosebud hanging from it. On the right was written :
"It was the night before new year start, a time to rejoice and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. People are celebrating while dear Terry sat all alone in his chair, all alone for the celebration just as before until you heard a knock on your door. I'm sure you probably didn't expect this. Neither did I. Please accept the gift which I went through so much trouble to pick out for you. I'm not sure if you know who this is from, if you do, DON'T return it to me. If you don't, that’s better. Please Keep my humble gift. For old time's sake. Well I wish you have the best holiday, but I imagine it won't be the best of times for you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Have you made a resolution ? I have ... I'll be here as always forever your choice."
Terry was surprised. It wasn't his mother, and of that he was sure. Who else did he know that might send him a card? Susana? After he left her just few months ago, why would she send him a card with that kind of message? No, she wouldn't. The only person that could possibly be the sender of this card was… her? Why would she send him a card? Not to say after all this time?? He then quickly dispatched the idea of it. No she would not even dare. And the feeling of loneliness swept over him again. And then he remembered the package. He gently tore away the wrapping paper to reveal a small black velvet box. He opened up the box, and inside was a gold necklace with his initials. Left bewildered, Terry looked back down at the necklace. It was beautiful. Who would waste their time on me? he wondered. I don't deserve this. He closed the lid and let it sit there. But that card and gift was all he could think about all day.