A Surprise Gift

Hello, this is Marie-Grace. I had a surprise yesterday - something came for me in the mail! This was startling to me, because I don't know who would be sending me something. Most of the people I know live here. I did receive a package, though, wrapped in plain brown paper and with no return address, but with a New Orleans postmark.

Who do I know in New Orleans? Cécile and I are old enough that the people from "our time" have died, and many of those we've met along the way have also aged and died, or have moved on. I actually can't think of anyone back in our former home who might send me a gift.

I opened it, and I was even more puzzled. On the top was a hat. It's white felt, with a pink ribbon - I like it and it'll look nice with my pink dress - but why would someone mail me a hat?

I dug further into the box, and found two more things. One of them was a pretty white and pink floral fan that will match my dress and hat. Again, I like the fan (although I don't know how often I'll have a need to fan myself here in Northern Canada,) but I didn't understand why I'd received it. I started to think maybe it was just random. A lot of people have pink dresses, so maybe it was just a coincidence that it matched. Maybe I was selected by chance to receive a gift.

Then I found the final item in the box, and I realized it wasn't random at all. The last thing was a necklace... my necklace! I lost it back in New Orleans more than a hundred and fifty years ago, and I thought I'd never see it again. I'm happy to have it back.

I must admit, though, I'm a little taken aback, too. Who would send this to me? How do they know where I live now? Why did they send it? And... do they know why I'm still alive after all this time? It's nice to get a gift, but I admit I'm a little concerned where it will lead.

Love,
Marie-Grace