The Gift

I should have known what it was, after getting that enlarged present on my 30th birthday. The box was wobbly and filled with pigments of yellow and green. It trembled in my hand and yelped for attention. It seemed like any other present, that was until I opened it. My face was instantly lit up and my world had become a re-lit candle. A surge of memories traveled through my body and created emotions I had never felt before. It reminded me of a time long ago, when I once felt these strange emotions.

As an only child, I had always wanted a companion when I was younger. Someone to play with, eat with, and share my feelings with. So, on my 10th birthday, I implored my parents for a sibling. With a joking smile on their face, they told me that one was enough trouble for them. I kept asking, but I got the same response each time. Eventually, I settled on a toy car for my birthday, and dejectedly went into my room. My whole life I wanted someone to be there for me, and someone to enjoy growing up with. After contemplating for a while, the thoughts tired me out, and eventually I fell asleep on the soft mattress under the thick blue blankets.

The next morning, I woke up to a letter resting peacefully on the foot of my bed. I opened the letter gingerly, quickly seeing my mothers unique handwriting. The letters were each a different font, each combining to be a delicate melody of words. In disbelief, I threw up the letter and ran straight into the living room. I did not even notice my parents grinning as they watched me run past them. I saw the creature waiting cluelessly on the rug, still getting familiar with its surroundings. Although I had always wanted a human sibling, I knew a puppy would certainly fill that void. I could already imagine all the possibilities and adventures we would conquer. I already decided the perfect name: Romp.

Over the next decade, Romp and I grew older together, and lived life to the utmost joy. He sparked a light inside of me which lit up a path through my toughest times. I knew he could never be replaced, and Romp shared a special bond with me as my unique sibling. When he left me, that light lost its spark, and left me with a loneliness that I carried over my shoulder. I felt like I would never be the same without my sidekick always there to fight with me.

So when I opened that large box, and saw the innocent puppy staring at me with its captivating eyes, I reminisced my youth and the companion that walked beside me for twelve years, watching closely as I grew older. I loved Romp more than anything in the world, and knew I would share that love with the young companion. A single tear rolled down my cheek, holding all the memories of my first sibling, one which I would never forget.