Mary finished reading the note and stared at the box.
“Why would someone send me this?” she thought, “Such a strange gift...”
To confirm she had read the note correctly she picked the note up and re-read it, but this time noticed more writing on the other side.
Out loud, she read “To Joel...” now realising that the box was supposed to be delivered to Joel who lived on the opposite side of the street.
“That postman! This is the third time in seven weeks.” she thought in annoyance. After somewhat hastily slipping on her shoes and picking up the box, she made her way to Joel's house.
Joel had finished working at the bakery later than usual; his car turning into the driveway a little after 6:10pm. As he made his way to the front door he noticed the box, much to his confusion.
“I haven't ordered anything recently?” he wondered while trying to recall if he had ordered it, but was quite sure he hadn't. Despite being surprisingly heavy for its size he picked the box up with relative ease. Carrying the box inside he glanced at the note which read “To Joel,“ then flipping the it over and reading the other side.
Joel gazed at the box wondering who would send such a strange gift. Only a hand-full of friends knew his address, but none of them were the type to do something like this, even as a prank.
Something innate in humans draws them to the unknown; Joel was no different. Curiosity won as he pressed the wooden button. A soft pop and clicking sound was heard as the lid of the wooden box unlocked; opening the lid, her peered in.
Inside were numerous glass viles with various images of animals on the side – no two vials the same. Joel reached in and picked one vial from the box before holding it up to the light, examining its contents. It appeared to contain a somewhat syrupy brown liquid - about 10ml. Carefully he removed the glass plug before holding it up to his nose and inhaling deeply.
Rain on soil, the bark of trees, and soft moss – the scent of woods, who could mistake it. Warm memories of the hours he strolled through the woods as a teenager returning. How he would follow the stream of burbling water, passing a hollow fallen tree consumed by moss, two outcrops of boulders, many mushrooms, and lots of soft grass.
His nose continued to drink in the smell making him feel content and happy, but reluctantly moved it away to observe the image on the side – a stag.
“Wow” he said in awe, still feeling the after effects of the experience. He did not believe in what the note claimed, and the temptation to know its taste was incredible.
“If it smells that good; imagine the taste.” He thought, the mere idea making his mouth water.
“But what if it's poisonous? You could die.” his conscience warned.
He though, “I'll only try a little; a little wouldn't be harmful...” trying to convince himself.
In his mind the battle between him and his conscience went on, but eventually as the temptation grew too strong, he caved.
He raised the vial and inhaled the scene once more; a warm wave of happiness and content rolling through him again. Finally, he extended his tongue and gently tilted the vile letting only a small volume flow out.
Despite the brown syrupy appearance, it tasted of fresh berries and nuts. Strange, yet very pleasant and refreshing. He rolled the mixture back and forth on his tongue, savouring the taste before swallowing.
The temptation to now empty the rest of the vile into his mouth increased, but was quickly quelled. A slight tingling sensation moved throughout his body, scaring him a little.
“Was it poison?” he wondered, feeling concern and regret having gone against his better judgement, but almost as soon as it has started the tingling ceased.
Somehow he had failed to notice over an hour passing by as the clock read 7:23pm. Tired from working 4:30am to 6:00pm in a hot bakery, and the shock of thinking he poisoned himself, he called it a night. Retired to his room and collapsed on his bed. Thankfully, tomorrow would be the beginning of a relaxing weekend.
As Joel slept he dreamed of strolling through the forest; unknowing to changes that had occurred.
The next morning…
Author's Note:
I decided to write my firsr story after putting it off for several years. Will hopefully improve with practice. Currently editing part two.