7. Chapter Seven
Chapter seven
Hummingbird
After Edith’s visit, I'd convinced myself to spend more time upstairs and in natural light, hoping it would help with my sleep. I was still sleeping for shit, but at least I knew when it was day and night.
Aside from making myself eat and drink, I didn't do much else. Well, aside from crying and staring at the long, thin rectangular box wrapped in iridescent paper and the white envelope it came with.
The fact I hadn't opened it yet irritated me, and I inwardly yelled at myself for being a coward before shoving off the couch and grabbing the two items off the table. I opened the envelope first and wasn’t too surprised to see a birthday card.
I was surprised to see a folded up note inside bearing Lynette’s handwriting.
My dear,He originally gave this to me after you had to disappear.
I was supposed to give it to you when you came home again.
He reached out a few weeks ago, asking if I still had it, and to send it if I did, as he wanted to give it to you for your birthday.
I don't know what it is, but I do know it was very important to him.All my love, Lynette
I stared at the paper for a long time before looking at the wrapped gift.
Derek, what did you do?
I reached for it, holding it in my hands for a long time before slowly and carefully peeling the tape so as not to tear the paper. Once it was unwrapped, I let out a gasp.
It was the most gorgeous wooden box I'd ever seen. I traced the leaf and flower carving along the top, freely crying once again as the tip of my finger ran along the intricately detailed hummingbird in the center. I inhaled deeply and let it out slowly, trying to rein in some of my emotions.
Now to open the box.
My hands trembled as I slowly pulled off the lid, revealing a folded piece of paper covering what looked like a necklace, if the clasp was any indication. I swallowed hard as I picked up and unfolded the paper. Tears sprung to my eyes and immediately spilled over when I saw Derek’s handwriting.
Hummingbird - She won't tell me where you are, only that you are alive and safe.
Know that I'm coming for you. I will find you.
Whatever it takes.No matter what happens, you will always have a piece of my heart.Since we can't be together right now, I want you to have this necklace.
It represents your beauty, your grace, your strength and determination, but only a fraction of my love for you.Please find happiness in your new life until I can have you in my arms again.I love you.Providence
A sob burst out of me as I hugged the note to my chest. The box could have been empty and it would have been the best present ever. Hell, the note itself was more than anything I could have dreamed of having.
After wiping my eyes and taking a shaky breath, I finally looked at the necklace and started crying all over again. At the bottom of the silver chain was a silver hummingbird pendant. Like I did with the lid to the box, I traced it with my finger, taking in the tiny details engraved into the metal.
It was perfect.
I'm not sure how long I stared at it, but eventually I removed it from the box and put it on. The second the clasp was fastened, and the chain was resting on my skin, a sense of peace washed over me. It was like he was giving me a hug.
One last hug.
Thank you, Derek. I love it.