The bell rings. I open my eyes, push myself up, and walk off my bed. As I twist the door’s handle, I come face-to-face with the postman who gives me a curt nod along with papers to sign and a small package.

I thank him.

We say our goodbyes, and I shut the door, once more.

The light on my desk blinks. Well, I sigh, walking over to it. It has been a while since I’ve changed it. Perhaps I’ll take a small trip to the convenience store. But first…

My eyes meet the package, still my hands.

I smirk and tear the top of the large envelope off, before plunging my hand into bubble wrap, and slowly taking out my book. Maths here I co—

Grin fading to naught, I frown.

What is this?

It’s neon-pink, showcases various styles of dresses and lipsticks on the cover, and definitely is not the magnificent design with the many formulas that had been on the image when I’d ordered it.

“Channelling your inner girl. A guide to… being beautiful.”

I pause.

My shoulders slug.

A low groan escapes past my lips as I look to the floor and press a palm to my forehead. “Yeah,” I sigh, “this is definitely not mine.”

Slipping the piece of literary work, I couldn’t use even if I’d wanted to, back into its original resting place; I take a seat in front of my computer and rest my back against the wooden chair, my parents gave me as a parting gift, when I first moved into this studio. Well, I think as it digs into my spine, at least I will forever maintain an excellent posture thanks to this.

Fingers dangling on top of the keyboard, I take a deep breath and type a letter to the company I ordered from, in hopes of having an explanation and a swift solution to this misunderstanding.

I press send and look to the ceiling shortly after.

It’s hot. My computer is humming. And the cicadas outside that sing all too loudly remind me of just how much I hate summer.

Sweat drips from my brow. I turn on the tiny fan placed delicately atop desk. It’s only powerful enough to do something for one’s moral, but it is better than nothing.

Would my classmates be up for a study session?

I shake my head, cross my arms.

“Let’s go see a movie instead.”

I laugh.

Yeah, that’s totally what they would say.

Never mind.

I shrug.

I don’t need them.

Socialising is a waste of time anyway.

Placing a hand against my heart, I smile and think: happiness is within, happiness is right her—

A notification on my computer pops up, followed by a loud plock noise that fills the entirety of my room.

I scream.

Despite having no audience to see my failure, heat rises to my face. “Right,” I snicker, feeling awkward, stupid. “No more penguin documentaries at midnight, with the sound at full volume, for me I guess…” I mutter, moving my cursor towards the source of my fear.

To my surprise, it’s the company.

Wow, I think. Efficient.

Nice.

Yet, as I read the words that soon appear onto my screen, the only thing I want to do is run to the bathroom, throw up, and go back to those said penguin documentaries.

< Hello Jack,

We sincerely apologize for this mistake.

Thank you for providing us with your order number.

It seems your book was switched with another customer’s. We have looked into this matter and are happy to tell you that the person in question happens to be living in the same city as you.

We can offer you two options. The first would be for us to contact the customer in question and ask them whether it be okay to share some of their personal information, either a phone number or address, so that you may both exchange your products in the fastest and easiest manner possible. Or, you may send the book back to us, and we will make the switch ourselves.

I personally suggest switching in person. It will surely be faster and more efficient for both parties. Of course, in both cases, you will receive a coupon for three free products of your choice along with our sincerest apologies.

I hope this has been of help to you.

Do let us know if there is anything else we can do to help.

Have a lovely day,

Lily.

Sodium books customer support. >

I bite my lip.

I gulp.

…

I suppose it is scientifically proven that one must interact with others in order to keep their brain in shape…

< Hello,

Thank you for your fast reply and help.

I do not mind meeting this customer.

Please let them know that I am free during this whole month at reasonable hours.

Best regards,

Jack. >