The Little Brown Box

Judith wasn't expecting a package. She hadn't ordered anything in a couple of months. And her birthday wasn't until January. Yet, there was one seated on her front steps. A plain brown paper bag that only had her address on it.

That was it.

No one in her family would have not done this without texting her. Telling her that she was getting something. As most of them knew that she hated surprises. So this random package made Judith a little uncomfortable. While she stared at the package now seated on her dining room table, she muttered,"Okay, either it's a bomb or something else."

"If it was a bomb, opening it would probably trigger it.",Judith continued. At least that's how it worked in the movies. As well as some T.V shows. Opening the box or dropping the box triggered an explosion. Which, Judith did her best to avoid by holding it carefully. Ever so gently setting the box on the table. Then backing away carefully until Judy was near the doorway. Sticking herself behind the wall slightly as she stared at the box. Clenching her jaw as she weighed her options.

Either open the box or toss it outside in the trash.

Tossing it out in the trash felt like a bad decision. And there is no way that Judith would allow anyone else to get hurt. Especially, if it did turn out to be a freaking bomb. Then someone would be hurt and she would be partially at fault. Shoving these feelings down, Judith went to her room. Put on a ton of hoodies to act as padding to protect herself. Along with her bike helmet, goggles, mask, and thick gloves. Ones that would protect her from anything that could be in the box. Then put on some thick pants that were fire-proof along with it. As well as her favorite steel-toe work boots.

Wearing all of it at once made her feel stupid. But, there was no way she was taking any chances. Especially if it did turn out to be a bomb or something to that effect.

She went to the kitchen as quickly as humanely possible. Getting a knife from it before heading to the box in the dining room. Taking a deep breath as she set the knife down next to it. Then slowly unwrapping the brown paper from the box. Which seemed absolutely normal. As did the box that it had been housing. Normal brown box taped up with scotch tape. She set the brown paper aside and picked up the knife. Pressing the tip gently into it and slowly cutting the tape off. Being as careful as she could to open it without shaking the box. Fearing that the tiniest bad movement could be her last. Judith felt sweat dripping down her back as she got the tape off. Setting the knife back down on the table after.

Taking another deep breath, she closed her eyes and opened the top to the box-and nothing happened. No strange noise or anything. At least, not yet.

Judith peeked open an eye and carefully looked down into the box. Her other eye widened as she stared into the box. Inside of the box was a puppet. Not just any kind of puppet. But a tiny wooden boy dressed in overalls, a white button up shirt, and little red shoes. His hair was black as coal and his little eyes were a cute brown color. They stared lifelessly up at Judith as she started peeling off the protective clothes. Feeling even more foolish than she had putting them on. A relieved sigh came from her lips as she dropped the clothes on the floor. Fully intending on putting them in the hamper later. In a quiet voice, she muttered,"It was just a puppet. Good thing I live alone. Otherwise I'd probably never hear the end of this."

"Indeed you would not have. Especially, with all those layers of clothing you put on.",a child's voice chimed in. That made Judith freeze as the little wooden boy slowly stood up. Adjusting his clothes as he smiled at her. Tilting his head to the side, he added,"But, I suppose it is rather strange to get an unmarked package in the post. I would not have blamed you for such precautions."

"...what...how...why?",Judith spluttered. Her eyes widening as she stared at him. Both in fear and amazement. It was like something out of a horror movie. Or a children's movie. Possibly both. The little wooden child carefully climbed out of his box and sat down on the dining room table. Setting his hands in his lap, he answered,"My name is Pierino. I have been in your family for the past fifty years."

"I was your Grandmother's puppet, then your Mother's, and now yours.",Pierino explained. At first, it didn't make any sense. As Judith couldn't remember her Mother having Pierino. Then it slowly started coming back to her. The box in the attic that she wasn't ever allowed to be near. Her Mother and Father fighting over getting rid of it. And the sometimes that her Mother allowed her to see the little boy inside. When her Father wasn't at home, of course. After Judith turned ten, her Mother put Pierino away for good. It had been twenty years ago and she thought he wasn't real.

At least, wasn't an actual living being that really spoke to her. Now here he was plain as day, real, and speaking.

Judith found herself sitting on the floor in front of the puppet. Staring up at him with wide eyes and a racing mind. Unable to speak for the longest moment as the puppet stared down at her. Keeping a gentle expression on his face as he stared at her. Obviously trying to make himself not seem scary. It wasn't really helping but, she found herself appreciating his effort. She took a deep breath, Judith questioned,"Pierino? Why are you here after all these years? Why now?"

"I am here to help you with everything you might need. Just think of me as your assistant. Except, you do not have to pay me.",Pierino answered. Not answering the why after all the years in question. At least, not yet. So, she repeated that part of her question. And he explained,"It took me that long to re-awaken. As I was 'sleeping' until last week."

"Your Mother was cleaning the attic and accidentally bumped my box.",he added. Then he told her how her Mother heard him in the box. Begging her to let Pierino out of the dusty box. Which she had. They spent a little while talking about his being there. That it was time for her to give him to her only daughter. Of which, her Mother had agreed to. Putting him in the box and discretely setting it on the doorstep. Though, he wished that her Mother hadn't forgotten to put her address on it. Or add an explanation for why it was there. It felt utterly strange to Judith. But, she figured she would call her Mother later. For now, the young woman sat on the floor. Trying to figure out what to do with her strange new gift.