Future Journey

When the package came, Matilda had ignored it. Who would send her a package? She had dreams that the package held papers about a bad debt that had turned into a judgement against her. She knew it must be waiting to be dealt with and her mind could not handle one more setback. Then again the size of the package suggested something different entirely. It was a small mystery.

Matilda pushed the envelope to the center of the coffee table and put the daily paper on top of it. Today was Saturday and relaxation was calling her name. It was not until she had the warm mug in her hand that she looked down at the paper and pursed her lips. What if? What if it was something special? The amount of postage suggested it was from a far away place. Curiosity may push the feline asunder but it could also bring about something good. If only Matilda could push back the fear that was welling up inside.

As Matilda thought of the package she found herself reaching under the paper and pulling the package close. Then she was turning it over in her hand and pulling back the edge of the flap. She pulled hard and as the adhesive gave way to the force the package slipped from her hands and fell to the floor. A little black book and a letter slid halfway out of the manila hiding place. Matilda picked up the letter and started reading.

"My darling Matilda. I had hoped of seeing your eyes light up with that beautiful sparkle only your eyes could emit. Remember when you first gave me this sketchbook? I know. How could you forget. That weekend in Nairobi was magical. Even a story repeated a thousand times is just as magical as the first time when it is as special as our story.

This time though our story has ended too soon. By the time our Moleskine(R) reaches you, I will be one with the Earth. One last time lets travel the world darling. I promise it is worth every penny. I will be waiting for you at the end of the journey and all I ask is that you bring me home and sprinkle my ashes in the lake we loved so much."

Matilda opened the sketchbook and a stunning watercolor of a redhead stared back at her. Matilda thumbed through the pages and saw trails of red dirt, elephants, vast ridges, oceans and city skylines. Somewhere amid the inky sketches and pastel watercolor Matilda could feel their love.

Matilda went to put the letter and book back into the envelope when she saw something at the bottom. She dug deep and pulled out a bundle of cash. As she flipped through the bills, Matilda realized it was more money than she had ever held before. It was $20,000 to be exact. Matilda turned the envelope over and read the address. That was her name, but it was not her address.

Matilda clicked the seat belt and looked out of the windshield. She was even more confused than when she had first picked up the package. As the engine roared to life, she hoped the real Matilda could provide some answers.

The address led Matilda down a series of winding streets with identical houses. When she reached the house, the manicured lawn and decorative brick sidewalk made her pause. I don't belong here Matilda thought as she squeaked her car door to a close, but she clutched the Moleskine(R) tighter and made her way to the door.

The woman who answered was not who Matilda expected. The woman was frail in a light and wispy way like tissue paper that could be swept away by the slightest breeze.

"Hello."

"Hi are you Matilda?"

"Yes. How can I help you Miss..."

"Matilda. My name is Matilda too. I have your little black book."

"Then you must come in for some tea my dear. We have much to talk about."

The hours flowed by, and the hot tea became cold as Matilda heard about the adventures of a life well lived.

"Here is the money." Matilda said handing over the bundle.

"My dear sweet Matilda. I am an old woman. Jack and I had a great love and too many adventures to count. I have no need of the money but perhaps you could do me a favor?"

"Anything."

The elderly woman pushed the little Moleskine(R) into Matilda's hands.

"Please honor our love by fulfilling Jack's wish. Maybe you will find beauty and love in the journey as we did."

Matilda smiled as a single tear fell from her cheek. "I would be honored."