Layers

"I hope I get it, I hope I get it, I hope I get it".

I wake up, put off my rain sounds and think for a bit. It's interesting seeing how far I've come and a bit overwhelming too. I put this aside remembering I have so much to look forward to this week. "Aaah! Four more days until graduation! Finally ! ", I squealed. I only have a couple of things left on my to-do list before travel-altering my suit and altering my speech. "Hmm..maybe more references? or should I be more relatable?", I thought. I get my notepad on my desk and reach for a pen in the stationary holder. I see my "Believe in what you believe" button in there and sigh with a flash of memories. I got it with my closest friend from elementary to middle school until I moved for high school and she moved with relocation. We shared an appreciation for the Wormholes show and attended a convention where we got the buttons. I wonder-

"Auri, are you up?" 

"Yes, I am mum!", 

"Alright, come down for breakfast!", 

"I'm coming!"

I look at the button again and smile. As I get to the dining table, I greet my mum and dad organizing breakfast. My mum asks if I'm ready for graduation soon and I sigh with uncertainty. "I know being in a boarding school has been hard but I'm really proud of you", my mum said. My dad cosigned saying, "Any moment now, "Ms. Auriette Justice…" " while portraying a graceful walk and humming the obligatory tunes. He continued, "The first to-be international painter from the American state of Georgia with two solid college offers.". "Ah, yes, a regular 18-year-old star haha", I said.

"Whoo!" 

"We are so proud of you, honey!". 

"Thank you!"

We started eating but stopped when I got a text about a package arriving in 30 minutes and although perplexed, I was excited. I asked my parents if they had a package coming to which they declined and so did I. However, with my graduation coming, I thought I got sent a gift to celebrate. With my previous move two states away for boarding school, my family favours the university in our hometown. My parents' ability to allow me to go to a boarding school in the first place is shocking but they believed it would be the best and most valuable option. Getting a scholarship could have also been a big motivator. There might not be much change after graduation but a gift is still appreciated. All students were allowed to go home after examinations before returning for graduation only. I have had enough talks about post-graduation and many don't have theirs marked out like I do which could be for better or worse. 

I got an update message about the package arriving in 10 minutes. It states I should get ready to receive it and if I will be absent the drone will drop it in the appropriate place. The message ends with "Reply "Y" for Yes and "N" for No". I replied "Y" to get the drone to drop the package in my arms. 

"You didn't eat out of the eggs?", my dad asks. "I ate a lot of the sausages and french toast, I'm not sure I still have room", I said.

A message notification alerts me of the package being delivered regardless of my response. The message says, "Your package has been delivered at: doorstep, time:10:45am, date: July 1st, 2026". I go to get it with high curiosity. I opened the door and saw a bright blue package. Instead of bringing it in, my parents opened and thoroughly checked it outside for safety. With my nickname, "Auri" on the smaller package within the package it felt safe to assume a close person sent it. Upon further opening and inspection of the package, we see it contained a 50-piece puzzle set and nothing else. We are pleasantly surprised as we make a connection to my estranged friend. I loved doing puzzles and we often solved them together. With less sense of harm, we go inside with the package. Thinking of this, I consider extending a message to thank her for the package and possible intention for a reconnection. 

"Oh, Auri!", my mum called. "Don't forget you have to approve an offer soon before the universities deadlines", she said. "Yes, thank you.", I said. I did not forget but I was uneasy about making a decision. 

I prefer to study criminology which is best at the other university which is also further away. I have expressed this many times but somehow our discussions end on fine arts. I'm still thinking things through.

I get to my room and laugh a bit thinking about the coincidence of seeing the button earlier and getting a package now. Seeing the button reminded me of our belief in the show's premise of exploring time travel. I wanted to be an investigator solving cases and Lourdes wanted to be a scientist. I decided to search for her on social media platforms and find three accounts named Lourdes Martín. I see her picture on one and send a message. She responded shortly after, pleasantly surprised and confused about my question regarding a package. She seemed completely unaware and declined sending anything. 

I decided to solve the puzzle. When I did puzzles I had such an excitement which recently seems different. I did it and it had a couple of things on there in a map format. I see an animation of my favourite cartoon character, Claire Reeves, a talented and respected investigator. Also, I see a familiar symbol on the side but I was unable to recall where I knew it from. I stood up to tell my parents I didn't know who sent it but it had my favourite cartoon on it, that is, before all the encouragement to become an artist. My parents are great but negatively impact me with so much comfort. There's no room for growth in an overly comfortable place. I always did art so much that it felt easy. It was not where my interest or passion laid but it could work for me.

I look at the solved puzzle again and as I go in close to observe the sign, I realized it was one I often drew if I wanted to create an investigation organization. It was very interesting seeing that again and it having all the stereotypical investigation-associated features-a magnifying glass, a question mark and a trench coat. Before leaving my room, I look back at it filled with so much nostalgia and I notice something shiny over the completed work. It has an almost holographic effect saying "Follow your dream, make the change, we'll be great, love you!".

I had so many questions especially since I didn't remember showing anyone the symbol but I talked to them about having one. I thought my aunt sent it as she always encourages me to follow my dreams so, I call after telling my parents. However, she declines it still saying "love you" as always. I looked at the completed puzzle again and notice an apostrophe differentiating the message from "love you! to "love, you!". The "This really is not a prank" writing in the box of the puzzle pieces makes sense now. My belief in the wormholes show and science invigorated me. I was utterly shocked realizing I sent it to myself. I smiled realizing something deep in me was awakened and validated.