[ RF ] A person living far , far away from home receives a package from his/her family .

I groggily pull myself out of bed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I look over my shoulder to check that I have n't woken Jay on his day off. I sit on the side of the bed, feeling the foam form to my body, then gently get off. 
 
 I throw on a shirt from the ground, and some pants, and open the door, heading down the dark photo-lined hallway, each frame on the wall filled with Jay, Cassie, or myself. I smile as I do every morning at one picture in particular. It's of Cassie ridding her bike for the first time, her smile huge, while I'm running behind her. *A good day. * Jay loves photography, and I do n't disagree. I place my hand on the glass and walk past the picture - my daily routine. 
 
 I turn walk down the stairs and squint as the light hits my eyes, blinding me. When it clears, I look at the clock above the wall, checking the time. *6:45. Cassie has fifteen more minutes before I have to wake her... Pancakes it is. * 
 
 Before I start the pancakes, I check open the door, checking for mail. It's too early to get today's, but I had forgotten about it last night. *I doubt anyone wants to steal some bills. * I open the kitchen door, entering the small mudroom, and look down to see a package, along with some bills scattered on the floor. 
 
 Reaching down, I pick up everything on the floor, and take it to the kitchen island. I look at the name on the box, Finn McCarthy. *Who sends a package in my old name? * I look for a return address on the taped up box, but ca n't find one. Sighing, I open the package, using scissors from my side. 
 
 As I pull the flaps open, I see a rather large teddy bear stuffed in the box haphazardly. The black fur opposite to the plaid bowtie that could be seen in around it's neck. I lift up the bear and see a letter underneath. Reaching for it, I see my name written on it, and my stomach drops. *Why did mom send anything? * 
 
 I open up the letter and pull the contents out, carefully lifting the folds up. I take a breath, then start to read. 
 
 *Dear Finn, * 
 
 *It's been a while since you contacted us, and I am starting to worry you will not let us see you again. I have heard that you are married to Jayson, and I can honestly say I am disappointed in you. How can you be happy in a marriage like that? You need to find a girlfriend before he gets to you anymore. * 
 
 *I've heard you've adopted as well. I suggest you leave with her immediately and take her away before you damn her to a life of sin. I've included a bear blessed by the pastor himself to give you both some protection against the sin you are committing. * 
 
 *I love you and only want the best for you, Finn. Please do the right thing. * 
 
 *Love, your mother. * 
 
 I drop the letter and shove the bear back into the box, letting the letter get crushed with it. Grabbing the box, I head back upstairs and open Cassie's door, box in hand, and stick my head in. 
 
 `` Cassie, sweetie, it's time to get up.'' I say, smiling, my voice shaky. I make sure to get eye contact before closing the door and letting her get ready. 
 
 I walk back into my room, closing the door, and walking over to the bed. I sit on the mattress, the box beside me, and stare at the wall in front of me. I turn slightly as I hear shuffling beside me, the ruffling turning into cardboard opening. I hear Jay grab the bear and the letter, reading it quickly and quietly. 
 
 `` She's really still on about that. It's been six years since we've heard from them.'' Jay says from my side, and I just nod, shocked at the letter. 
 
 Jay shuffles over and rests his head on my shoulder, comforting me. `` How's this: I'll call in Cassie as busy today, and we'll head into the city. Have a day all together.'' 
 
 I nod, smiling, and grasp his hand hard. He knows I'm shaken up. 
 
 `` That's exactly what I want right now.'' I say quietly. 
 
 `` I'll go get her ready, okay? You stay in here for a bit. We'll throw the bear out tonight.'' Jay tells me as I hear movement. He gets up, all clothing on, and walks around the mattress, kissing me gently, `` I know how much they mean to you. I'm really sorry about them.'' 
 
 `` Its okay, just.... Shock. Cassie and you mean more than anything to me. More than them.'' I reply. He kisses me again smiling, and leaves to take care of Cassie. 
 
 I look at the bear crooked beside the box, and sigh. Getting up, I look back one more time. *This is the last time you hurt me or my family. * I open the door, close it then head out the hallway, touching the glass on the photograph, then walk downstairs, to my family. 
 
 *** 
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