Aximilli

"Hey. That box. Over there."

I walked over to the unassuming cardboard box, sitting there so dull and plain I hadn't even noticed it. As I drew closer, I felt my breath catch in my throat. I'd been waiting for this day for a very long time. And I'd seen it a thousand times over in my dreams. But this was real. It was real at last.

Thick lengths of tape stretched across the cardboard, securely holding it shut. With trembling hands I reached for a large pair of scissors. If this was it... If this was happening... I wanted to know. But did I really want to know now? All of a sudden? It was more than I ever expected. With a sudden decisiveness, I struck with the scissors, slicing the tape in half, then abandoning my blades, I ripped at the box with my bare hands, scrabbling, tearing at the plastic with a vehemence I had not known was there.

The tape was off before long. Quietly the box sat, unsealed now. Whatever lay beneath the cardboard flaps, I could find out now, just by stretching out and opening the box. I wanted to know.

Tentatively, expectantly, I lifted a cardboard flap. A papery, dusty smell wafted out.

I opened the other flap, biting my lip with anticipation, my heart pounding. I looked down at the contents of the box. Looking up at me was a face I was afraid I'd never see again.

Joy and gratitude bubbled up in my chest. I knew a stupid grin was plastered across my face.

"Hello again. I've missed you."