A new traditional

*Ding dong*

That’s odd. I don’t recall inviting or ordering anything. Maybe unexpected guests? Wait-No what if it’s one of those Door to Door?

I shrugged and walked towards the door. I was wondering if one of my family members came by to visit me.

*Ding Dong* Mr. Alexander? I have a package for you.

Package? Maybe they got the wrong person because I did not order anything in the past few weeks there is differently a mistake.

“Good afternoon.

Hello Mr. Alexander. I have a package for you. Seems to be pretty old to me but there was a note that says it needs to be delivered to you today.

“That’s odd but umm thank you. I suppose you need my signature?

Yeah if you can sign right here and we’ll be all good to go.

Thank you! Have a nice day!

You as well.

This is too suspicious. I looked at the box. It differently looks old to me. I checked the label to see if there was a mistake or a hint of what it could be. 10 years ago? That’s odd I don’t remember sending me a package 10 years from now This is too odd I need to call my mom. Maybe she’ll know about it.

I grabbed my phone and dialled my mom.

Hello?

Hey Mom? You’ll need to come to check this out. I received a package but it was from me 10 years ago.

A package? I don’t remember you sending yourself a box. I’m not even sure if you’re even allowed to do that. I’ll be over in a bit.

I’ll begin to make some coffee. Don’t worry I’ll be sure not to open the box and make sure that my pets open or crash it. I don’t see any fragile warnings so I’ll assume it’s fine

Better safe than sorry! I’ll see you in 30 minutes.

See you then!

I put my phone down and walked back towards the kitchen. I grabbed the Folders Coffee and started to prep the coffeemaker.*half a cup of coffee grounds and 12 cups of water. Great. Now press the power button.*

I sighed and looked around my kitchen. I can't believe that this house is still mine. 21 years and I got my dream home. Beautiful autumn kitchen, a comfortable living room that screams home. Heck, I even have my own office upstairs that brings the sensation of home. *Sighs*

*Beep Beep Beep*

Oh good the coffee is ready. Now I can enjoy a cup of coffee while I wait for mom. I picked up my favourite coffee cup from my coffee cup wall. I'll go with First Coffee then adulting cup.

After I made a cup I walk to my living room to sit on my dark green couch that is covered in a bunch of pillows. I chuckled and threw a few of them on the floor. I sat down and enjoyed my first sip of coffee.

*nothing beats that first sip of coffee*

*BANG* I'M HOME! NOW, WHERE IS MY COFFEE?!

That was fast. I wasn't expecting you for another 15 minutes,

There was no traffic and I always have free time for coffee. Speaking of I am going to get some now. Did I ever tell you that you're my favourite son? she says as she walks towards the coffee machine. I see that she takes the Caffeinated AF cup. I chuckled because that was the biggest cup I had and that's an accurate description of my mom.

I'm your only son's mom

exactly! Now then. Where is this mysterious box of yours?

Over here on the Dining Room Table. I'm not sure what it is but-

it's a box

What?! No, and here I thought it was a time machine.

It could be. You never said what's in the box!

You're saying when I was 10 I made a time machine in a box and mailed it to myself?

Maybe? You were a very strange child.

Well, Now that you are here. We should finally open the box.

Maybe. Let's see what you sent yourself. You do realize you're supposed to bury it and remember where you buried it so you can see what's in the box. Right?

I don't even remember what I put in the box. The only thing I remembered with boxes was doing if I fit I sit. I don't remember putting anything in boxes and mailing it.

Well, the only way we can find out what is in the box is to open the box silly now let's stop wasting time and open wait we need a knife. Be right back

Mom walks to the kitchen to grab a knife

"Why do you have so many knives? Like I know you're a chef but do you need this many?"

Yes

well anyways *passes me a knife* Here you go! Now let's open the box!

Very well!

I cut through the tape and got ready to open the box. Sheesh, why is there so much tape?

I opened the box and then out of nowhere

Move you're taking so long

Hey, I was opening that!

Now it's my turn! *She tears open the box*

Oh My GOD My mom gasped

There was a Jar of Dirt with seashells, 5 Pillows, 3 Stuffed animals, Marbles and an old letter.

I picked up the letter and read it out loud.

"Dear Future me,

Things have been hard to adjust in life. New school and needing to make new friends. I found out I am going to be a big brother and it sounds really scary. I'm not sure if I'll be a good role model. I hope I can be. Are we still training for the Olympics? Or did we get a new dream?

I hope things are a bit easier when we're older. Being a grown-up sounds fun. Having our own home, and lots of pets! Do I want kids? Maybe not. Anyways I wanted to give you stuff that had a lot of meaning as a kid.

Just remember that we have good memories as a kid. Try not to focus on the bad memories. Anyways good luck future me!

PS Don't give up on swimming!

From 10-year-old Alex

“Wow, I forgot I even wrote this letter. A lot has changed since then”

“Right I remember how much you wanted to join the Olympics. You had a bunch of swimming lessons to learn.”

“Eyup. It sounds strange but should I write a letter response and do this again?

“If you want to I think it’s still strange but you can make it traditional for yourself! See how much you’ve changed and grown!”

“Fair enough. For now, let's enjoy our coffee.

Yes, coffee is good.

*6 hours later*

I sighed and walked towards the dining room table. I grabbed a piece of paper with a pen. Decided to send me a box 10 years from now. Maybe I’ll hide it in my closet instead. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for the mailman.

“Dear Future me

When I was 10 years old I wrote myself a letter and sent a box to myself. I found a jar of sand and seashells, Marbles, Pillows and stuffed animals. I forgot I even mailed it to myself. Anyways a lot has happened within these years. I figured to answer the questions and respond to questions.

I have not joined the Olympics and I am unfortunately too old to join. I do still enjoy swimming though. I do not think that will change. From time to time I will go for an occasional swim and just relax and have fun.

My Dream Career did in fact change. My end goal is to be able to own my bakery. I am currently working at a decent job to help me save up for Culinary and Pasteries school. I work from home so I don’t need to go out as much.

My opinion of not having kids hasn’t changed. I’m enjoying my single life. I have a beautiful house. I made my home Autumn theme because it brings a sense of comfort.

Being a grown-up has a few perks but honestly, it’s a trap.

As for being an older brother, it was terrifying at first. I’ll be honest it wasn’t easy to adapt to a lot of change but I have a great sibling. They steal my sweaters though so hide your sweaters if you have any.

Things aren’t that easy as an adult. Unfortunately, school never taught me how to save my money wisely or to invest. But thankfully I found a way to do both.

I enjoy video games on my time off. I still haven’t travelled outside of Canada. So if you haven’t travelled book days off and travel somewhere. There is a whole world out there (yes I know we hate people but it doesn't mean you can’t travel.

Anyways this will be a traditional thing. Write a letter response then ignore it for 10 years. This will be a great opportunity to see how far you have come. I’m not sure why it showed up

Wish you luck

From your 22 old self.

P.S don’t ask why it showed up 12 years later. I don’t even know.

I put the Envelope back in the box and looked around to see what to put in my box.

I quickly ran to my room and grabbed 1 baking and 1 cooking book I haven’t used yet. Then I ran to my bathroom and grabbed my cinnamon candle, then I walked down to the basement and grabbed my Skyrim necklace.

My future self will hate that they’ll need to untangle this. I thought.

I grabbed an empty box and put the stuff and my letter in the box. I bring the box to my room and hide it on the top of my closet.

I closed my closet door and walked back downstairs.

“Dear childhood me. Thanks for making a traditional thing for me.”