“Did you get the mail?” Andres called out to Chris.
“No, not yet. I’ll do it now.”
“Thank you.”
Chris skipped down the three steps from his apartment into the communal courtyard. He flipped through his keys before inserting the mail key. He grabbed the mail and was sorting it even before he walked back in. A Nordstrom’s catalogue—trash; a Panda Express coupon—trash; a credit card offer—trash. A handwritten envelope—not trash.
1801 14th St. SW
Boise, ID
To: Chris Rakashan
734 Apollo Dr
San Diego, CA
A Boise return address? Chris didn’t know anyone from Boise. He removed a butter knife from the kitchen and tore it open before fishing out the holiday card. It was Sarah, a forgotten friend from high school. She was wearing a black tank top, tan cargo pants, a climbing harness, and an orange helmet standing beneath a red rock. An Indian woman was kissing her cheek. It said “Happy Holidays and a Happier New Year, from our family to you: Love, Sarah and Sonali” in a sapphire blue. No kidding, Chris never realized Sarah was gay. Good for her. He flipped it over and saw smudged ink and chicken scratch. As far as he could tell, it said:
Chris, how the hell are ya? I hope you remember me? I know this is kinda random but Happy Hollidays! I got engaged this year to my lovely, bestest bestfriend, Sonali. We met at my first job and we fell in love. Crazy right? Anyway, getting engaged really makes you think about who’s who and what’s what in term of Life. Sonali and I made 100 holiday cards but the print shop gave us the sample also. So you’re the lucky extra! Let me tell you why.
In high school, one day during school, you and I were alone both in the hall when everyone else was in class. I think we were both on our way to the bathroom at the same time. Anyway, you locked eyes with me and said, “High five!” and when I went up to get it, you said, “Scissors! Ha-ha, you lose.” It was so random and dumb and so goofy and I couldn’t stop laughing. I’ve never forgotten that memory, and it always makes me smile when I think about it. I’m embarassed to admit that I told that story at work one time—Sonali overheard and actually laughed! Nobody else did, but later that night was our first date! The point is, without your goofy life, mine and Sonali wouldn’t be beginning. Thank you! Happy Holidays, and a Happier New Year!