More Envelopes
That night there were more people about than normally in Salem. To each and every door mentioned on a certain classified list there were deliveries made and each delivery was as unique as the content in the envelope. The only constant factor was the black envelope. Each as beautiful as terrifying to it's recipient. The silvery seal was not easily broken nor it's meaning digested. Many refused to read the message which was clearly demanding and few even dared to leave this summon to the flames. None were calm.
It was the second menacing letter she had received that day. Samantha gathered her strength and clasped the letter opener in one hand and the letter in the other. Unlike others, Samantha had been expecting this invitation. She sighed as she saw the instructions for her next move which she absolutely had to make. Sighing deep she let go of her anger and felt suddenly free as the petite rock slipped off her finger. She was about to make a significant group of people very unhappy. With her new-found freedom she finally faced the fact that it wouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Her family might even say that what was about to happen was long over due. Dancing like it was her last dance she moved across the floor. She'd leave a note before leaving. And there it was, the third envelope which would seal her destiny.
Watching his sons sleep was one of his favourite hobbies. He wanted to reach down and stroke their hair and make them stay this way forever. He was able to shut the world out when nothing else ever mattered. They lay there so still and perfect. The sight would have brought tears into his eyes if he had not already wiped them away a dozen times that night. He rose to his feet and met the gaze of a woman, of a mother and his wife. She was handing him a black envelope. Immediately he recognized the seal and ripped it apart only to turn pale. Benji looked up to his wife expecting an explanation which she did not have. His hands trembling he handed back the envelope and made few quick decisions. He kissed his wife in passing and ran out to the night.
After spending hours torturing his own flesh EJ was feeling weary and fragile. He had exhausted himself in vain for he was unable to escape the sweet memories which would haunt him to his timely death. Barely able to lift the water bottle to ease his thirst EJ was hardly ready to receive his own special delivery. He managed to hold on to the manners instilled in him. With the package came a black envelope with several pieces of paper. Forgetting everything else EJ sat down to read the old and florid writing. Layer by layer the lies were exposed and the truth uncovered by someone aiming to hurt him. Instinctively EJ knew the purpose behind this gift but weak as he was, he couldn't fight the feelings rushing in him. He had to stop only to open the package and to gaze upon the picture given to him. Sadness deeper than he had ever experienced took over him and tears fell from his tired eyes.
Host of the night parade around the magnificent hall embellished for a very special occasion. Everything was going according to the plans made a long time ago. The invitations had been sent and they would be honoured. The servants were waiting for their orders and for the guests. A laughter resounded in the wide empty space while the first steps of the dance were taken. Only one envelope was still waiting on the long table. It too had was black and it too was sealed but the seal was not silvery. The seal was golden with a picture of rising Phoenix in it. Pieces of the Puzzle were falling to their places.