“The package on my doorstep had my name, but I definitely didn’t order it.”


I didn't panic or scream like a mad woman like my younger self would have done if it was years ago. I am now a big girl, way experienced, and have seen way more horror movies that have gotten me ready for days like this.


Besides, I am sure the only thing that can be horrifying to me at this age is seeing a freshly cut body part of a human served on a platter and sent as a package sent to my doorstep which is a zero percent chance of happening in my country, for now I guess.


So, when I had gotten back from throwing out my trash close to my apartment and had seen a package with my name clearly written on it on my doorstep, I didn't stagger or look around like a lost soul. Well, I must confess I did move a step back to be sure it wasn't a bomb but, a bigger and bolder part of me had picked it up and gone inside my apartment like it was no big deal.


I mean, if someone was recording me as I picked it up, I wasn't ready to give them the lady-like siren of a scream. Nah! The nonchalant behavior should serve them right in case there would be a next time.


The package wasn't light and not heavy either. As I placed it on my kitchen counter. I had a 3 minute staring contest with it before it must have assumed it won because I decided to look away.

With hands akimbo, I bite gently on my lower lip before moving closer to the object of my recent concern. A big part of me wanted to shake it endlessly, but I stopped that thought from being a reality. Instead, I placed my nose on the box and smelled it like a dog digging for a bone, but there wasn't any smell, which was odd still, I maintained my cool.


I went on with my daily activities but would eye the package each time I got, which was every time. I waited patiently, hoping whoever sent the package would call or even send me a message. But, none came, and I didn't like that one bit.


As more time passed by without a call, I hissed silently and muttered incoherent words under my breath.


Placing my left hand on my head and the right one on my waist like a pregnant lady, I rolled my eyes for the umpteenth time and then it occurred to me who the sender might be and I knew I didn't need to think much on who would play such a game on me.

I mean, it was obvious who would plan such a thing to throw me off balance and make me scared.


To invoke fear. It was what shedids best, and this must be part of her craziest mind games.


A big part of me… a larger part - wanted to badly open the package or call her, but I didn't want her to feel like I was thrilled or curious about her gift.


Yes … Her. My elder sister.


She was so fond of it. Just the thought of seeing me shitlessly scared seems to always make her happy. So happy like she won a lottery, and I just refuse to understand why.


I can still remember times she had played little tricks like that on me. Got me in trouble for things she did, and locked me up with a chicken because I am scared of it and even… gosh! This is so embarrassing. She had even chased me around our compound with dead rats or cockroaches. To her, that was her way of making me stronger and being able to face my fears.


Did it work? Well, I guess they did. I learned the hard way and knowing her, she must have seen a recent horror movie that would have dealt with unordered package delivery. Maybe she thought I must have watched it too, and that's why she sent this package over.

“Yes! That must be it” I half screamed with a large grin on my face, shaking my head like I just solved a serial murder case.


Picking up my phone from the kitchen counter, I dialed her number and waited for the usual unnecessary ringtone that comes from service providers.


The phone rang continuously, but no one picked it up, and just as I was ready to end the call and call her next line, a tired voice came in.


“Hello, madame.” she spoke silently in her usual self, but something was amiss with her voice.


“Are you okay?” I asked, a bit concerned.


“Don't mind this catarrh jare. It just came out before I went to sleep last night.” she replied with a sleepy yet frustrated voice.


“… and I guess you were sleeping, and I woke you up. Sorry about that, but I saw the package you sent. What's new?” I asked, placing my hand on my cheek.

“Package? What package? Did you receive a package from someone? What's inside?” she questioned with a lighter and most especially a curious tone.

Closing my eyes briefly, I let out a long sigh.


“You didn't send anything?” I asked again, though I was sure her curious state already gave the answer. Still, I wasn't too sure, but I let it go.


“Why would I send you a package when I could scare you myself?” she asked with a deep chuckle before letting out a huge sneeze.


“Serves you right.” I muttered under my breath before ending the call with a smile, but the smile didn't stay for long as I stared at the box again.

Left with no choice, I opened the box carefully like I was unraveling the secret behind a recently acquired Chinese artifact. A priceless jewel, and I was right.


It was indeed a priceless jewel. The material was soft and so dreamy, the purse, the heels… They were all matched, and they all glowed. Calling out to me like I was their savior, and I sure am.


Unknowingly, a giggle left my lips as I swoon over the dress, picking it up and inhaling the newness of it.


Closing my eyes briefly, a call cut short my road to the fantasy world. Picking up the call, I smiled a little as I remembered which day it was.


“You!” I said, and then she giggled with a tired voice.



“I knew you'd always forget. You don't remember your birthday or even get yourself those sweet things you deserve.” She said, and I laughed.


“You tricked me.” I replied.


“Well, this wasn't how I expected it to go. I had this dialogue planned out, but having this catarrh just ruined it.” She said, and I could picture her shaking her head with a pout.


“You still tricked me, so… you won.” I replied.



“But you weren't scared.” She answered.


And I laughed so hard that I cried. “Well, I am now a big girl. I guess you haven't heard.” I replied with a big smile.

*****

[Image-Source](https://www.pexels.com/photo/portrait-photo-of-shocked-woman-in-blue-t-shirt-standing-in-front-of-white-background-3768905/).