Fates Doorstep

I remember the day my life changed. It was the same day the package appeared on my doorstep.

Any other day, the train station on Holladay road would have been a welcoming place. I would run to catch the 10:05 train to head to school where I majored in psychology. In the evening I would take the train home to my small townhome on the east side. It wasnt fancy, but it was home. Derek, my boyfriend would be there. Exhausted from a day of work we would cuddle on the sofa and watch late night television. Our small dog titan would curl up in my lap.

Then just as I was on the blissful edges of sleep, Derek would lead me upstairs and make love to me in the dark. Falling asleep in each others arms, just in time to do it all over again the next day.

That was my life. I was happy, content and blissfully ignorant.

Until the package arrived.

I came home late that night. The house was dark except for the kitchen light which illuminated a romantic table. Candles, champagne, and a heartfelt meal. My heart sunk as tears hit my eyes. It was our anniversary today and i blew it.

Looking around the dark house I could only assume Derek was upstairs asleep.

I set my bag down and crept to the stairs. Staying as quiet as possible, I snuck into our bedroom. Quietly changing I soon slipped beneath the covers and held him close.

"Happy anniversary." I whispered. He rolled over to look at me.

"Happy anniversary." He replied with a rougish smile right before he kissed me.

The next thing I remember, was waking up to sunlight pouring through the window. It was Saturday.

Reaching over, I quickly realized he was gone. Sitting up I could smell the wonderful aroma of breakfast. My stomach growled ferociously and I got out of bed to get ready for the day.

By the time I made it downstairs, Derek had eggs and bacon on the table along with toast and orange juice.

"Good morning." I replied in a chipper mood.

"Good afternoon is closer to the truth." Derek laughed. "I was tempted to come up and drag you out of bed before I left."

"You have to leave?" I questioned as I sat at the table.

"The office just called, there is a foreign business partner in town and he wants to see the studio. If all goes well, he might buy us out and then you and I can take that trip we have always wanted." He leaned in and kissed me.

"Thats exciting!" I replied. "I know you've worked hard for this. I touched his hand.

"It will be a major change, but the company has grown and I feel that this is best."

"What time do you have to be there?"

He glanced at the clock. "Sh-- I have to go." He jumped up and started fumbling for his things. Running his fingers through his brown shoulder length hair whenever he grew frustrated.

"Wallet in your pocket, keys on the hook!" I called to him. He checked his pocket and saw the keys.

Looking back at me he said "thank you." Before grabbing his bag and running out the door.

I finished breakfast and put the dishes in the dish washer. Tempted to head back upstairs for a nap.

However, as I moved toward the stairs, a brown package caught my eye. It was no bigger than a shoe box, but it was wrapped in brown paper and my name was scribbled on the front.

Titan yipped at my legs begging for attention. "Think I should open it?" I asked him. He yipped twice. "Alright, you talked me into it." I grabbed the box and sat on the sofa.

He jumped up excitedly as though expecting the box to contain something for him.

Ripping the paper away i found a white box underneath. No markings, no logos, nothing to indicate what was inside. Only a white envelope stuck to the top. I opened it and pulled out a letter.

What if I told you this box is guaranteed to change your life?

Open it and discover wonders and marvels you've never seen --

But give up everything you know and love in return--

Or place this box on a shelf, never opened. Never knowing what might have been

The choice is yours

Thats it? I flipped the paper over. Blank.

Looking down at Titan, he stared back at me confused.

"Its just a box right?" I suggested. "Nothing bad can come from opening a box." I reached for the front flap. The cardboard digging into my thumb as I hesitated.

Was the letter taunting me? Was it a prank? Or was it real?

I stared at the box. Shaking my head i set it aside.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious. But I didnt want to chance testing the tide of fate. I was happy in my life with Derek. It wasnt much. But it was enough for us.

The day flew by as I cleaned the apartment, celebrated with Derek that night on his business buyout. We talked about the exotic places we wanted to see and experience.

Yet I could never get that box out of my mind.

When the midnight hour crept close, and Derek scored beside me, I lay awake. Staring at the ceiling. Listening to the relentless tick of the clock.

I had to know.

Pulling back the covers, I slipped into my slippers and quietly walked downstairs. The box sat on the coffee table where I left it.

Every step I took that drew me closer, made my heart race. Out of the shadows I swore I heard whispers. Whispers in some long dead language man kind was not supposed to remember.

I wanted to run, to destroy the box and flee, yet I was drawn to it.

I sat on the couch. Took hold of the box and pried it open with my thumb.

I dont know what I expected. A bomb? A flash of blinding light? A loud voice saying I got you?

Whatever it was... it was not what happened.

I could hear seagulls. I felt warmth on my skin and course sand under my feet.

I opened my eyes and to my utter astonishment, my apartment was nowhere to be seen.

I sat on a stone bench surrounded by a lush green garden.

A man walked up to me with salt and pepper hair, a quick smile, and bright eyes.

"Welcome Lina, we have been expecting you."

"What the devil was that box?" I stammered.

"A small gift of fate." He smiled.