TALES OF FORTNIGHT - THE ODD ONE _CHAPTER -2

 

A big surprise

The door creaked open. Not sure what was going on, I stepped inside. To my surprise, my mom was waiting for me.
“Where were you all this while, honey?” she asked.
“Oh, mom! I didn’t know you’d be waiting for me! I was just coming home from work, but the bus got delayed,” I replied.
“Hmm… well, dinner is ready, so freshen up. I want to see you at the table in fifteen minutes,” she said, with a smile.

After freshening up, I realized my bag was still in the living room. When I went to grab it, I saw my mom unpacking it.

She hated rodents, so I quickly took the bag, making sure the box inside was safe.

“Mom, I can do it myself. It’s fine,” I said, hoping she wouldn’t suspect anything.
“Okay, Daylla... I’m happy to see you becoming independent,” she said.
“Yes, mom. It’s time I learn to be independent. So... what’s for dinner?”

“It’s a surprise, darling!” she said excitedly.
“Mmm… I smell mushroom salad with cottage cheese. Am I right?” I asked, confident I knew the answer.
“Oh… you got it, but there’s more to your surprise. You’ll have to wait for it,” she teased.
“I wonder what it could be. I’m so excited!”

Just then, the doorbell rang. I opened it and…
It was my best friends, Ella and Stacy! I was so excited. Looks like mom is getting better at surprises.

I hugged them tightly, thrilled by the sleepover surprise.
“Hi, guys! I can’t believe we’re meeting after such a long time!” I said, smiling with gratitude.

“Hey, Daylla! I can’t believe it either!” Ella said, her excitement matching mine.
“Daylla! Long time!” Stacy added, smiling as always.

Ella was two years older than me, with fair skin and curly black hair. She loved reading and singing.
Stacy, a year older than me, had straight hair and almond skin. She was a dancer and always made me laugh.

I was so grateful. Even though we were all in our early twenties, we had stayed close.

We were going to have a great weekend together.

Then, the doorbell rang again. This time, it was my dad, returning from work.
“Hi, Dad!” I said.
“Hi!” he greeted me and my friends. “So, there’s a party in the house, huh?”
“YES!!” we said in chorus.
“Have fun!” he told us.
“WE WILL!! THANKS!!” we replied, laughing.

After dinner, we did all sorts of activities together.

We had so much fun—it was a real surprise.

Before bed, we talked about our jobs, how our lives had changed, and reminisced about old times.

Once my friends fell asleep, the rumbling noises started again. I carefully took out the box.

The rodent inside was wide awake, and I doubted I’d be able to sleep with it.

Not wanting to disturb anyone, I tilted the box .

Out came a piece of paper, a glass bottle containing the rodent, and another bottle with a small tag.

Using my phone’s torchlight, I read the tag:
For the Forever Gerbil.

I wanted to open the bottle to get a closer look, but the lid was too tight.

I headed to the balcony, a place where no one would likely come this late at night.

I locked the door behind me and stared at the rodent. It was the forever Gerbil.

What could that mean?