The Post Office

Inside the package is a collector's edition of The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Like Vincenzo's present, most of the pages are intact, until a little past the middle of the book, where there is a slip of paper with a diagrammatic cipher. The letters look like some sci-fi alien language. Once deciphered, the message reads:



WORDS R WIND
THIS IS A GAME
AND I AM WINNING

Below this is a series of number in a line always following the pattern: three digits, one digit, and anywhere from high single digits to low double digits.

When followed by page number, paragraph number, and number of words into a paragraph, they each lead to quotes within the book, such as:

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”

“Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”

“Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment — that which they cannot anticipate.”

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

This isn't a package. One morning, Eroshay is just going to wake up to a magnifying glass covered in pig's blood with the words "GOOD JOB SUPER SLEUTH" written on the glass with black marker. If she follows the direction of where the glass is pointing, it's her closet, and there's a letter underneath it. The letter is written in code. 2 steps from vowels, 3 steps back for consonants. Multiply by 2 every added line. The message says:

THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT
I LOVE TO PLAY GAMES WITH YOU
WE HAVE FUN HERE
I HAVE LEFT YOU A GIFT
IT IS LOCATED AT A PLACE FULL OF FOND MEMORIES

The gift is at the place where he kidnapped Shay so long ago. There is a foreboding "GET BETTER SOON" card underneath it.

Left in the same spot Vince's gift had been is a small slip of paper written in code. The code is one long line of seemingly randomized letters, made through transposition. Once deciphered, the paper says:

ON A HILL
ON A HILL
STANDING STILL
VIRTUE MOTHER PRAYS
WHERE THEY DUG A GRAVE
CAN YOU PAY THE PRICE?
TRY TO ROLL THE DICE
FIND THE GIFT
HOPE YOU
D'N'T MISS

The "gift" is at the cemetery and when the code is written out and turned sidewise, the format of the poem shows exactly which grave must be looked at. It's a large family tomb and hidden behind it, in some dark nook is a small, metal sign that reads: "Smile! Your picture is being taken. :)"

Attached to the sign is an envelope with a thick stack of pictures, each of Vince and Milo going about their days. Also inside the envelope is a quote.

“Always eyes watching you and the voice enveloping you. Asleep or awake, indoors or out of doors, in the bath or bed- no escape. Nothing was your own except the few cubic centimeters in your skull.” ― George Orwell, 1984

Inside the package is a pack of imported European chocolate, twelve pre-packed homemade lunches with snacks, and a set of galaxy based earrings. There is a little note taped to the inside of the package.

Interning at Crown Modeling Agency! Cool, right? Anyway, I got some shit for you. Keep fed and try to stay out of trouble, won't you? Hope to cross paths at work.

Love,
Little Rosales

Inside the box is a fancy, folded up red scarf with a built in necklace.

Spoiler alert: It's not a hand.

Sorry for trapping you in an elevator (still can't believe you're upset over that).

Nobody really gets over getting trapped in an elevator with a crazy person, you fucker. :I

Inside is a birdie scarf and a copy of Pablo Neruda's Ode to Common Things. Stuck in the middle is a piece of pretty scented paper and it says "Ode to the Mall Elevator." It says:

An elevator
Is a noble thing,
It wants nothing more
Than to take you
To Your Destination.

Indeed, an elevator
Will take you to the stars
To the center of the earth
In nothing but its back
With complete Determination.

An elevator
Wants nothing
Gives everything,
Gives it all to the people
Humble as it can be.

So do not take advantage
Of the elevator's kindness
Do not rip out its wires
Because you don't know
Where you will be.

(Mall Basement)

- F. Verma

Hello Cat. We've only met a few times, but a teacher said we have some things in common. I can't sleep at night either, I have nightmares and flashbacks. And memories I didn't think I had are coming back, and there not good. I can't promise your memories will come back, but I can promise that you will never be alone, and I know there are plenty of people willing to help you build a new life, I'm one of them. Take care of yourself, and keep your eyes on the future, and if you ever need to talk, I'm here. -Aedan Drago.

Left in a small box tied shut with a cute little bow is a charming pumpkin shaped perfume bottle. Inside is enough of an earthy chypre for a few spritzes. It's got hints of cinnamon and pumpkin, and just enough civet to make it smooth. Attached is a short note saying: it's a little early for next month, so I thought you'd like to sample it first.

A basket of cake pops is left on Dorian's with a note that reads: Heard you were entering student elections. How about I make some of these with your face and name?