[ there is a text message waiting for altria that informs her where her package is at the local postal office. the text message from kaveh urges altria to come quickly. when altria gets there, there is a large paper-wrapped gift blooming profusely from its seams sitting on the counter with long-stemmed paper flowers in dizzying greens and reds and oranges splayed along the painted watercolours of a rising, winter-morning dawn pale with still-visible pinpricks of mourning stars.
when unwrapped, there is an elaborate gingerbread house within, freshly baked and made judging from the warmth that still emanates from it. green icing trails ivy up the brown-brick walls. candy-spun plants decorate the entranceway; amezaiku flowers line the doors in pink and golden cheer. the entire affair is set on a large, holiday biscuit that doubles as a foundation for the house proper. the door of the house can be opened. within are candied chairs and shelves, an entire room decorated with gingerbread care, right down to the amusingly small gingerbread house that sits on the gingerbread table beneath the larger and far more expansive gingerbread roof. a gingerbread house within a gingerbread home.
the note: ]
To Altria,
Thank you for Mister Biscuit. I know, I know, I'd called him Mister Golem before, but it felt a little like calling a human 'Mister Human', and once sober I couldn't quite bear it, so he's become Mister Biscuit in my heart. Truly, your magic is something wonderful. I thought it would only be fitting to gift you something gingerbread in return. While it is not as exceptional as what you have done for me, please accept it as a token of our friendship, and as a thank you for the cheer you brought to the gala.
Altria, you are a remarkable young lady. I wish you happiness.
Ah, but please don't think some nonsense such as 'I can't possibly eat this gift!', and dig in! I'd be glad if you can invite a friend to eat it with you; I've tried many permutations of gingerbread, and I think I got the sugar to ginger ratio just right. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. I have not forgotten my promise to you for paneer, either. The new year will bring new opportunities, as well as new meals to share.
May your coming year be as sweet as watermelon, and as fruitful as pomegranates.
delivery. backdated to whichever day was the winter solstice in this city!
when unwrapped, there is an elaborate gingerbread house within, freshly baked and made judging from the warmth that still emanates from it. green icing trails ivy up the brown-brick walls. candy-spun plants decorate the entranceway; amezaiku flowers line the doors in pink and golden cheer. the entire affair is set on a large, holiday biscuit that doubles as a foundation for the house proper. the door of the house can be opened. within are candied chairs and shelves, an entire room decorated with gingerbread care, right down to the amusingly small gingerbread house that sits on the gingerbread table beneath the larger and far more expansive gingerbread roof. a gingerbread house within a gingerbread home.
the note: ]
To Altria,
Thank you for Mister Biscuit. I know, I know, I'd called him Mister Golem before, but it felt a little like calling a human 'Mister Human', and once sober I couldn't quite bear it, so he's become Mister Biscuit in my heart. Truly, your magic is something wonderful. I thought it would only be fitting to gift you something gingerbread in return. While it is not as exceptional as what you have done for me, please accept it as a token of our friendship, and as a thank you for the cheer you brought to the gala.
Altria, you are a remarkable young lady. I wish you happiness.
Ah, but please don't think some nonsense such as 'I can't possibly eat this gift!', and dig in! I'd be glad if you can invite a friend to eat it with you; I've tried many permutations of gingerbread, and I think I got the sugar to ginger ratio just right. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. I have not forgotten my promise to you for paneer, either. The new year will bring new opportunities, as well as new meals to share.
May your coming year be as sweet as watermelon, and as fruitful as pomegranates.
With kind regards,
Kaveh