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Reality hit me like a bucket of cold water. I had a lecture to attend and a quiz to take. I couldn't afford to be late, not for this one.
With a sigh, I shoved the crumpled note back into my backpack, grabbed my coat, and dashed towards the campus café. I needed caffeine if I was going to survive the lecture.
I shook my head, pushing thoughts of the mysterious box away as I picked up my latte and headed toward the lecture hall. As the aromatic coffee washed over my taste buds, I resolved to keep my mind anchored to the academic world for now.
The lecture began, immersing me in a world of color palettes and psychological responses. The curious box was a universe away as I delved into the riveting theories, letting them seep into my thoughts and anticipating their impact on my future work. With a final, determined stroke of my pen, I completed the quiz, eager to see how this newfound knowledge would manifest in my designs.
Yet, the moment I stepped foot into the corridor, my mind wandered to the box, and curiosity got the best of me. Since it was postmarked from San Diego, I pulled out my phone and called the first friend, other than Brad, who lived there.
As Ariel's phone rang, I half-hoped she'd sent me a surprise from back home. And as her laughter spilled through the speaker, a wave of homesickness hit me.
"Courtney! How's life in cowboy country?" she quipped, her voice as warm and inviting as I remembered.
"It's been an adventure," I replied, suppressing a sigh. "Listen, did you send me anything recently? I got a package today, and I have no idea who it's from."
"Nope, not me. But speaking of packages, guess who can count to ten now?"
Ariel's segue made me laugh. "Jonathan? Really?"
"Yep! He's been practicing every day. It's adorable," Ariel's pride was palpable, and I couldn't help but smile.
After our chat, I found myself dialing Meagan's number before I even realized what I was doing. The phone barely rang twice before her cheerful voice filled the line.
"Hi, Court! What a pleasant surprise," she exclaimed.
"Hey, Meagan," I returned her greeting, my voice softer, more mellow compared to her joyfulness.
"You wouldn't happen to have sent me something, would you?"
There was a pause before she replied, "No, not recently. Have you heard from Brad lately?"
"Of course, and he's been keeping me updated on the news about the Rosedale case."
"I can't believe that creep Alex is holding out by pretending to be on a hunger strike," Meagan hissed.
"I find that all a bit weird. I'm sensing there is more going on there than meets the eye! But anyway, on to something more fun to talk about. How are Lily and Liam? I'll bet they are growing like crazy."
"Oh, are they ever. You won't believe what the twins did today!"
"What?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
"They started walking, Courtney! My babies took their first steps," she said, her voice ripe with excitement.
A warm smile spread across my face. "That's amazing, Meagan!"
We chatted for a while longer, meandering through stories of the twins' latest exploits and reminiscences of our shared past. As the call ended, I felt another sharp pang of longing. I missed them all—Ariel, Meagan, the kids—my San Diego family.
The day was a whirlwind of classes, assignments, and group projects, but the mystery parcel was nearly forgotten. As the evening rolled in, I stood in line at the university cafeteria, a tray of barely edible food in front of me. I sighed, missing the home-cooked meals back in San Diego. As I paid for my meal, I took out my phone and dialed Brad's number.
He answered on the second ring, his voice filled with an energy that brought a smile to my face.
"Courtney! How's the queen of the Rockies?"
I chuckled at his familiar teasing. "Just surviving the food here, Brad."
He laughed, the sound echoing through the phone and warming me despite the chill outside.
"You'll get used to it, Court. Trust me."
