A small box arrived in the mail today, addressed to my husband and me, from someone I have not communicated with in some time. It was on the table when I got here. Sherlock said, “you got a box.” Shortly thereafter, RTY proclaimed, “You got a box. Daddy won’t let me open it.” I took the box and threw it away. Unopened.

Sherlock removed it from the trash and suggested I open it. I was disinclined. I told him he could open it, as it was also addressed to him. He was disinclined. RTY bounced, “can I open it? Since neither one of you want to?” I didn’t care. She continued, “I get to keep whatever’s inside since you don’t want to open it.” Sherlock disagreed.

First, two observations about the package. I recognize it’s a nice gesture, especially since the last communication was a FOAD email from me. The box was mailed. Normally, this person utilizes a mutual acquaintance’s UPS account so that shipping is not this person’s financial responsibility. So, mutual acquaintance likely doesn’t know what’s in the box (so I didn’t bother calling to ask what was inside).

It included four items and a note. Three similar items, one for sherlock, one for RTY, and one for me. I’m impressed that the items were appropriate (frog, monkey for the appropriate person). They’re the little creatures you put into water that suck up the water and grow. And a fourth item for me.

I’m going to make RTY write a thank you note. But I’ll be refraining from writing a thank you note of my own, or calling in a thank you call. If you’re reading, and I know you are occasionally reading, thank you for including my child. I am grateful for that. It is indeed curious that you have not responded to the email I sent to you in June. I continue to be hurt and continue to be disinclined to communicate with you.

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