The Gift
Thoroughly unprepared for meeting Enchanteur I have left a letter of apology as to the absence of my gift. I am crafting a lap cover of sorts and only was able to manage three blocks while on the train.
In my best handwriting, with sepia colored ink on linen paper, I enclosed the letter in a scented envelope. When I reached the train station I asked the porter where to post mail. He explained rather harshly - ‘we don’t do it this way here - we send telegrams’, and pointed towards a rather long line. I gathered my bags, and proceed to take my place in the line. The telegraph was rather timely, some may even say old fashion. A tiny man with a permanent smile and rather large teeth stamped a portion of my letter onto a Christmas type paper. He then walked outside his booth and placed the new correspondence into a treasure trunk. I watched mostly stunned and opened my change purse to pay for the service - he quickly said, ‘Oh no, Miss, there is no charge for mail on the road to the Alluvial Mine.’
My attention turned back to the treasure chest- it was overflowing with different size boxes wrapped with the finest care and silk bows attached. Panic over took me. Why had I not chose another gift, a finished gift to be precise? How was I going to wrap the gift once I finished? I can only hope to pass some gift shops on the Owl Creek Road and purchase wrapping paper and ribbon.
Suddenly I see her! It is Enchanteur! She is looking through the trunk. She reads my letter - her lips twist with distain and she looks around the old train station. I stand rigid behind a pillar, balancing myself on my toes, hoping not be found. I fear if she locates me I will be left behind and I must complete this journey. I have wanted to take this journey for the past two years and unfortunate circumstances have held me back. No!, I will not let this happen a third time. A shrill whistle goes off and she turns and leaves abruptly … I am safe. I move along once again to take my place on the Owl Creek Road.
Patricia Stewart
If SHE had shown glee or gratitude, then you might not be encouraged to craft another gift — she is sly that way —
like the little boy (considered slow) who was frequently offered a choice between a nickle and dime. He would always choose the larger coin to the amusement of the ‘friends’. When queried privately as to the value of the coins he said, “If I took the dime I would no longer be offered the choice!”
papa
I’m not sure Enchanteur ‘does’ disdain - and to be honest - I’m not sure you should be bothered if she does!I think this is insightful and brave - and you created it which is what really matters so just keep walking the road you’re on.
I fear you may have misread Enchanteur Patricia. I observed no disdain in her face when she told me of your beautiful gift. Perhaps she was simply taken a back for a moment - a bit in awe herself. She is often left speechless when she sees what has been left for her.