A Gift For You

Chapter 5

My alarm goes off at 9am. I let it ring for a while, doing my best to ignore the noise. My parents are long at work, the noise shouldn't be bothering anyone. I do my best to recall remnants of last night's dream. It feels like a distant memory. Flashes of certain scenes cross my mind, but for the most part it's a blur. 

 "What did he mean by receiving information through my dreams? I can barely remember anything!" 

 I roll out of bed and throw some music on the TV. Old school Jennifer Lopez plays in the background. I go to run the tub while dancing around in my pajamas. As the bath water runs, I pick out some clothes, brushing my teeth simultaneously. The doorbell rings. I quickly mute the TV and hold my breath, as if the guest could hear me from way upstairs. It's silent for a moment before the doorbell rings again. I continue to stand still. Suddenly, I get a text message from my mom. It reads:

"Honey, your grandpa is coming by to pick something up. Make sure you open the door for him okay. Love you!"

I sigh before running downstairs to get the door. My grandpa greets me with kind eyes and a warm smile. He is smaller than me, but regal and carries the spirit of a roaring Lion. 

"Diana, how are you? He says with a warm expression. 

I welcome him in with a big, warm hug.

"Are you doing good with school?" For an immigrant, his English was rather impressive. 

 "Yes grandpa, mostly As. A few B's." 

"Good, you will be a Doctor in not time." He seats himself with authority. I begin to start the coffee maker, as he always enjoys a cup whenever he comes over. 

 On the table is an envelope with his name on it. I hand him the envelope. 

 "Thank you baby." 

 "You're welcome." 

The coffee maker begins to make noise. I turn the living room TV on in attempt to find something for him to watch. Though he doesn't fully understand the broadcast, he smiles and listens attentively. Waiting on me for cues on how to react.

When I laugh, he laughs. When I get excited, so does he. TV was the first way he learned to speak English while in the US. After a couple shows, he gets up and declares that he is leaving.

 "Okay Grandpa. Love you!" 

 "Love you too baby!"

He makes his way down the stairs, singing church hymns. I watch him until he gets into his car. My Grandpa has always been a favorite person of mine. I wish to embody his peace. 

As the house grows silent again, I can hear the bathwater. I forgot that I left it running. I run upstairs to resume my dance session when I hear a banging through the bathroom walls. I do my best to ignore it. The banging grows louder. So I pause the volume on my TV, take a deep breath, and barge in.

Upon opening the door, a feather falls from the ceiling ever so gently. It is royal blue with black stripes. I grab the feather midair and carry it back to my bedroom. All of a sudden, a blue jay pops up on my window sill. It tilts it's head and begins to chirp. The feather matches the bird at the window. It seems as if it's smiling at me.