The Post Office

It's a package! A foot and a half tall Jett teddy bear with a smiley face note.

A gift basket of five bottles of wine; two red, two white, and a rosado. All of the wines are from the same vineyard in Somotano, which is small and known for never selling an underaged or overaged wine, if they sell any at all. The bottles are surrounded by dozens of roses, both real, sugar and chocolate. The fake roses are colour coded to avoid confusion; liqueur chocolates are gold, milk chocolates and dark chocolates are purple, white chocolates are blue, sugar roses are pink. The basket is filled to the brim, and everything is properly sealed to prevent tampering. Attached to the rosado bottle with gold ribbon, is a small white greeting card from 'Chessmate Security', simply wishing them an enjoyable holiday. A contact number is written on the back.

Dear Vincenzo,

We need something out in the open here. I'm sorry. For everything. I know you were adamant that you're fine, and I believe you. You're strong in so many ways. I'm still apologizing, though. Call me a sap, a wimp, an idiot, or any number of other demeaning things. I like you. I love you. We're friends, and I care about your safety.

This letter isn't about what happened with Baltimore, not in its entirety. That would give him too much credit. I'm just lying here, sick in bed with nothing to do and all homework finished. I figured, I might as well get my thoughts out there, and writing is so much easier for that sort of thing.

From the very first time I ever heard about you from Klaus, was warned away, I was always intrigued. When I saw you at Starlight running for vice president, it wasn't a sense of defiance or mere childish curiosity that had me sitting in the crowd watching you. It was a pull; I saw you, and I knew our lives were going to intertwine. Anywhere else and that line would be some stupid pickup line, but here, you can feel the truth behind it. Whether you were aware, we would end up here or not when you first looked at me and approached.

You kidnapped me — you thought you would get away with it somehow? I'm still not sure what was running through your head. You should be glad to be on land. That wasn't the end of our story; it was never going to be. I know I offended you, maybe even hurt you, by siccing the police on you. It was never my intention to see you hurt. Not once. I wanted you to live. I wanted you to be free. Not just because I liked Milo, but because I liked you, too.

I was even happy to see you once you were released and extorted me for cookies. It's incredible the way you hold yourself. I suppose, I hadn't quite noticed it until after the corn maze, but I trust you. I trust you and you make me feel safe, maybe even when you shouldn't.

You're stronger than you think you are, but that doesn't mean you have to be. I'm writing this to express to you that no matter what happens, or how ridiculous things become, I will always have your back. You pick yourself up, but that doesn't mean you should have to do it alone.

You are important to me. No matter how silly that makes me in your eyes, it will never change. You've helped me to better myself and see things I never thought possible.

You are a multicolored, beautiful (inside and out) human being and I love you.

Your good friend,
Little Rosie

(There is a small package. Inside is a framed picture of the selfie between Milo, Vince, and Shay taken at the corn maze. The frame is decorated in cute, cartoon mice.)

Thank you for the letter. It is very heartfelt. I lick it every night before I sleep.

There's a picture with Milo, Shay and Vince in the selfie, but they're all rats. It's a pretty good rendition.

It's a bag of various sex toys. Attached to one dildo is a note that reads: I know you'll be lonely for the holidays.

An album of winter-themed photographs taken specifically with Cat in mind. One picture is a close-up of hot chocolate, still steaming, with the reflection of Christmas lights. It's clearly taken in some store, as the shadow of people can be seen. Drawn on a napkin is a smiley face with a note that reads: Thinking of you this Merry Christmas.

Mia's key to the apartment, and a check for her share of the rent. A note written with such shaky hands that it is only barely legible: "I'm so sorry."

The bag Jett sent her is returned, with the addition of a prettily wrapped box with a bow ontop. Inside is a red business tie neatly rolled up. With it is a note saying: was saving this for your christmas present, but i think you deserve it early. Ps, I won't be on the island for the holidays

A square wrapped package with a handmade sketchbook inside and a note attached. The note reads:

Keep your head clear and your heart strong. Winter is a time of endings and new beginnings; make your beginning count.

It's a simple Christmas present, nearly flat. When unwrapped it's a picture of their group of friends at the Kegger. There's a note: Hi Malara, I'll be in Europe when you unwrap this, hope you like it. Just a little something that reminds me of how far we've come, two living weapons who've found a place in the world. Thanks for being a good friend. Best wishes to you and your family.

Each one will receive an envelope sealed in wax with Duke Mikhainon's symbol. Inside, a letter which says 'You're Invited!' at the top in fancy calligraphy.

This year, on the 22nd day of December, there will be a low key family dinner at the Baltimore mansion to celebrate the Winter Solstice. The spider siblings and their parents are all invited. Others can come too, but please warn me ahead of time.

At the bottom, there is a phone number, and the letters 'RSVP.' The number is Chloe's cellphone number.

Pandora's invitation will have an extra slip of paper, hand-written: "Please call me - I need help figuring out how to make a satisfying dinner for you"