*Thunk*
The small box hit a front door in a suburban neighborhood, clattering to the ground in front of it. Its mysterious data collection process underway with glowing lines seeping through the concrete of the front step. The noise was loud enough to wake up the one occupant inside the house, who lazily rolled over and checked her phone. Marissa sighed as she checked her phone for the time and turned on her lamp, running her hands through her dark, messy hair as she sat up. Her phone was filled with messages wishing her a happy birthday from both friends and family.
"Fuck, it's already eleven..." She groaned as she hopped out of her bed.
The house was silent after the knock at the front door. On most days in the summer at this time, her parents would be watching TV, or out talking with the neighbors. Even though she attended a local university, she still lived with her parents as it was a nicer option than the dorms. However, both of her parents were travelling abroad to see some friends on the week of her birthday. Although the day might not have as many festivities, Marissa planned to throw a large party in the evening.
Marissa walked down the stairs to her front door, still in her pajamas, praying that it wasn't anyone dropping by. She opened the door and peeked out, only to find the small box in front of her. She looked around outside, seeing if there was any signs of people. It was quite hot outside, with not a cloud in sight. With curiosity, she picked up the box and ducked back inside.
"Hmm, must be a present? It's not wrapped or in a box for delivery though..." She mused, sitting down on the couch in her living room, box in hand.
She opened it carefully, fiddling with the latch until it slid open. Lifting the lid, the ornate crystal interior was revealed, with the blue device sitting in the centered. Marissa was immediately confused. She thought this was a jewelry box, or even something like a fancy pen judging by the shape of the case.
"The hell is this?" She whispered as she picked up the wand and placed it beside her on the couch, revealing it to be slightly heavier than it looked.
Marissa poked around the case to see if there was a note or card of who sent this, but there was nothing. She rolled it around in her hands, trying to figure out the purpose of it. After staring at it for a minute, she set it back down into the box, still confused. In doing so, she accidentally nudged the silver button on the bottom side, sending a beam hitting her as she walked away.
"Alright, lets get ready for the party." She said to herself, smiling and excited for her birthday.