It was odd seeing Anax’s human-like arms end in flat hooks, but they were quite efficient in prying open the crate. The box crunched and groaned as the nails left their snug shelters. Anax had thoughtfully veiled Patience’s eyes in a solid flap of near-transparent mist, shielding them from any flying splinters. And a few did fly as the lid came off.

Atop a bed of wood shavings was an envelope. Patience tore it open to find a letter penned in a familiar script. She read it aloud.

“‘Dear Patience, I’m so excited to hear of your betrothal! While I deeply regret I could not attend your momentous day, I pray you will accept this gift. Life’s journeys are indeed more pleasant with a partner by your side. And it is with great hope that my gift will facilitate a little adventure. It’s an enormous world. I believe everyone should see some of it. Wishing you smooth travels, a happy life with your husband, and good health for you both. Leland Unger.’ Oh, dear Uncle Lung! What did he get me this time?”

Kneeling, she brushed a layer of shavings aside, letting it drift to the ground like an early snow. Under the morning sun, a sheen of mahogany leather gleamed. More shavings were cast to the ground as Patience and Anax hefted the gift upright in the crate. It was a handsome leather trunk.

Brass clasps fitted the lid while matching tacks studded the edges. A thick polished leather handle sprouted from the top. The threading was neat and tight, speaking of the finest craftsmanship. The smooth surface shone with a warmth seemingly born from the material itself. Patience brought a hand between Anax’s jaws to cover her mouth. This must have been so expensive.

A tear came to her eye. Uncle Lung was so thoughtful. She wished she had made more of an effort to connect with him in her childhood. For a man not related by blood to still write to the daughter of his deceased friend, it spoke highly of his character.

“Bless him,” Patience murmured. 

She checked the address from which the gift was sent. It was labeled as Siahl, Tahoma. She brightened. As her last gift from Uncle Lung came from an unknown address in Breton, she was unsure if a message expressing her gratitude would reach him in polite time. Now that he was within her own country, Patience vowed to send a telegram.

“Shall we bring this inside?” asked Anax.

“Oh, yes. Let’s take it into the bedroom.”

Anax formed his normal arms and hands, lifting the luggage out of the crate as Patience stood and opened the door. She backed into the kitchen, watching the wood shavings flutter into the yard at the persuasion of autumn breezes. They set the luxurious trunk next to the wardrobe, but did not dawdle for long. The laundry still had to be done.

“What a lovely gift!” Patience mused as she smacked socks into the washboard.

“I’m just glad you didn’t get some other creature in the mail,” said Anax.

Patience snickered. Daydreams of vacations and excursions with the new trunk filled her head as she toiled with the wash. Anax had his own suggestions for exotic destinations, ones he read about in various books. 

As the morning matured, the load of soiled cloth diminished. The final pair of drawers left the gray water of the basin when Schuler returned. Patience welcomed her husband with a chipper greeting, tipping Anax up to expose her smile. Schuler hefted a full sack of groceries with one arm and coiled his other arm around Patience for a quick embrace.

“I ran into Amelia and take a guess what she told me! The date’s set! My last show for the year is November nineteenth!” Schuler announced. “Then the old band will resume performances January seventeenth.”

Patience brightened. “Fantastic news!”

She had been waiting for the exact schedule. As the holiday season and new year approached, the theater would soon begin their run of classical performances featuring an orchestra. There was no need for an acoustic guitar, so Schuler was allowed an extended break, as were some of his bandmates with other folk instruments. It afforded the newlyweds more time together, and Patience and Anax had been overjoyed when they first learned of the arrangement. Now that the dates were official, the impending vacation felt more tangible.