The Package

It was a dreary October day. Jonathan pulled his jacket a little tighter as he walked toward his job at the local convenience store. It wasn't much, but it was something. It payed the bills. Mostly, anyway. Jonathan had a lot on his mind today. He was falling behind on some bills and didn't really know how he'd make the ends meet. He knew he needed a better job, but bring right out of highschool with no college education, there wasn't much to choose from. The pandemic wasn't helping. No one was hiring. Most companies were actually laying people off.

Jonathan had a lot on his mind today. He was falling behind on some bills and didn't really know how he'd make the ends meet. He knew he needed a better job, but bring right out of highschool with no college education, there wasn't much to choose from. The pandemic wasn't helping. No one was hiring. Most companies were actually laying people off.

Jonathan had a lot on his mind today. He was falling behind on some bills and didn't really know how he'd make the ends meet. He knew he needed a better job, but being right out of high school with no college education, there wasn't much to choose from. The pandemic wasn't helping. No one was hiring. Most companies were actually laying people off.

He was a block or so from work when he stumbled, almost falling flat on his face. He said some choice words and looked to see what had caused him to trip. On the sidewalk lay a package. It was a box, about a foot long and six inches wide. It was covered in simple brown paper with no markings. No name, no address.

Jonathan should have just kicked it aside and moved on, but he was curious. He picked the package up and continued to walk. He'd look at it more when he got home.

Six hours later, he clocked out of work, grab the brown wrapped package from beneath the counter and headed home. It had gotten even colder and Jonathan wished he could afford a car.

Inside his small but efficient apartment, Jonathan placed the package on his kitchen table and grabbed some scissors. He knew it wasn't his package. He probably had no right to open it, but maybe what was inside would give a clue to who it did belong to. Then he could try to return it to the rightful owner.

Under the brown paper was a brown box. Jonathan cut it open and looked at what was in the box. To his surprise and horror, it was filled with various illegal drugs.

Jonathan grabbed his cell phone and dialled 911. He explained the situation to the dispatcher. The dispatcher told him not to touch anything and that he'd send an officer over right away.

An hour later, after being questioned thoroughly, two officers left Jonathan's apartment with the box, thanking him for being honest and doing the right thing.

Jonathan sighed. What a day. He flopped down on his couch and turned on the TV. Maybe tomorrow would be better.

Three days later Jonathan received a phone call asking him to come down to the police station. "Great," he thought. "Now what?"

At the station he was greatest by a big burly officer with a badge staying he was a detective.

The man explained that the drugs Jonathan had found where part of a huge bust the department had been working on. That package had been the final piece to make the bust. The detective continued to say that there was a reward for helping in this case. The reward being a check for $50,000.

Jonathan's mouth dropped. Could this really be happening? $50,000 was a lot of money. It would literally be life-changing for him.

The detective assured him that it was indeed real and he handed him a check congratulating him.

Jonathan went straight to the bank. He opened the savings account and put the money into it.

He went home and started doing some research. College wasn't really his thing but he could go to a technology school. He'd heard welders made a good amount of money. He could easily pay for a course. He would go apply at a local tech school tomorrow.

First thing the next day, he took an Uber to the nearest car dealership. He looked around and settled on a practical used Mazda CX-9 for $8,000. Jonathan payed in cash and drove his new ride off the lot.

Next, he went to the tech school. Three hours later he was enrolled in welding classes. Things were definitely looking up for him.

One year later, Jonathan stepped out into the cool October sun, shielding his eyes with his hand. He had just finished a work day at his new job as a welder. It felt good to have a real job making real money.

He got into his car and drove to his new apartment-a two bedroom with a view of the city in a newer complex. He went inside, grabbed a cold soda and sat on the couch.

Jonathan was so thankful for finding that package on that fateful day. It had given him a chance at life and he had taken all the opportunities it had allowed him. Now he could think about finding a good women and starting a family.