When they got there, the place was somewhat empty. Not many mammals were waiting for the train. The three stood in front, waiting until the train arrived. Sapphire glanced to the left, down where the railroad stretched out and passed the hills. Just then, she heard others whispering to themselves.
"Who's that?"
"You don't know? That's the Lovell's daughter...the one everyone is talking about."
"Really? So it was true?"
"It was on the news too."
"Wow...what kind of animal is she?"
"Human, but she's a mammal like everyone else. My dad told me about it."
"Seems like you're becoming the new topic around here," Nick smirked.
"Don't tease her, Nick," Judy frowned at him, "of course there will be animals talking about her. She's going to be at a welcoming ceremony, and Mayor Lionheart will be there to greet her."
"Ceremony?" Sapphire looked at the bunny in confusion.
"A ceremony for your arrival to Zootopia," Judy said, "the mayor personally wants to welcome you. The ceremony won't be long, but after that, we have to take you to the hospital to see Dr. Hornscoff. He says that he's your personal doctor from when your parents were still around."
"Wow...that's a lot of things to do in one day," she sweat dropped, "isn't this too...excessive?"
"It was the mayor's idea, so nothing we can do," Nick shrugged.
Soon enough the train arrived for Zootopia. Some mammals were getting off while they waited.
"I still think we should've taken the cruiser," Nick said.
"The car isn't fast enough to get us there," Judy implied, "the train is our best option."
"Look over there! I found her!" They heard shouting from behind them. They turned to see mammals with microphones and cameras from the distance.
"Miss Lovell! A few minutes of your time!
"Miss Lovell, over here please!"
"Oh no..." Nick face palmed himself.
"How did they find us here!?" Judy exclaimed.
"Sapphire get on!" Without thinking, they all boarded the train. Just before the press could come any closer, the doors slid shut and the train started moving. The reporters were left behind. They let out a deep sigh in relief.
"Now do you regret not taking the cruiser?" Nick asked with a smirk, which Judy did the same.
"Are you okay?" Judy looked up at Sapphire.
"I'm fine," she sighed. Just then, they hear someone cough. They all looked and saw everyone staring at them. It was really awkward, especially for Sapphire. The human stood up straight as she held her duffle bag. No doubt that they were going to whisper amongst themselves, but Sapphire knew she was going to hear a lot of things about her in no time. It was awfully quiet now in the next five minutes, and Sapphire could feel the heavy atmosphere pouring down, mainly everyone still staring. She couldn't even try to talk to Judy or Nick, and was too nervous to even look at anyone. However, just when she was getting depressed about it, a voice was shouting down the lane.
"Damian don't run!" A female voice was heard. A young snow leopard was happily running when he bumped into Sapphire. Luckily she caught him before he fell.
"Are you okay?" she looked down at him as he looked right at her. He just nodded.
"Damian, what did I tell you?" a female leopard scolded him, but not harshly. She then looked at Sapphire, and her eyes widened.
"Sapphire...? Is that you?"
"Um...yes. Do I know you?"
"O-oh...I'm sorry," she smiled, "my name is Sammantha Snoweather. I was your nurse when you were a child."
"A nurse?"
"Yes," she then looked at the young cub, "and this is my son, Damian. I'm sorry if he caused you any trouble."
"Oh no," she shook her head, "its okay."
"Damian, you should apologize..." the young leopard looked down as he shuffled his feet.
"I'm sorry..." he mumbled, acting all shy. Sapphire giggled and kneeled down to his height. Damian looked at her confused.
"Its okay," Sapphire smiled, "if I was on a trapped on a train for hours, I'd be dying of boredom..." She pretended to complain as Damian smiled a little.
"But you shouldn't be running around like that, or you might hurt someone. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Pinky-swear?" She smiled and put out her pinky finger. Damian locked his with hers.
"Sure," he still smiled. Sapphire couldn't believe how cute he was. She rubbed his head and stood up again.
"Thank you for that," Snoweather smiled, "you know how kids are..."
"Yeah...but aren't we all kids at heart?" Sapphire smiled as the leopard laughed. Judy and Nick smiled at how friendly they were becoming. After a while, Sapphire, Judy and Nick were sitting next to Snoweather and her son, having light conversations. Sometimes Sapphire would catch Damian copying her every move, which somehow ended up as a game. She thought it was funny the way he did it, always smiling as if teasing her, but he was just a kid. As they were enjoying the ride, Sapphire would look out from the window now and again.
"Is something bothering you?" she heard Ms. Snoweather's voice. Sapphire turned her head.
"Um, no ma'am. I'm fine."
"I understand," the leopard smiled, "being away from home for... so many years can change. And I understand how nervous and scared you are."
"...Does it show?"
"But don't worry," she said, "give it some time. There will be mammals who may or may not like being accustomed to this...but your parents went through the same thing. The world changes...it only does if people accept those changes. You'll get used to it...I promise." Sapphire gave a small smile.
When Judy told her about the different districts, she couldn't stop gazing at every place they passed. From the hot environment of Sahara Square, to the icy cold Tundratown and the wet Rainforest, they soon arrived at Savannah's city central station.
"Here we are," Judy said, "welcome to Zootopia, Sapphire."
As the train slowed down, Nick took a look outside and smiled.
"Hey guys," he said out loud, "we got company."
Judy and Sapphire looked out the window and saw three police officers on the side. Once the train stopped, the doors opened. They said their goodbyes to Ms. Snoweather and Damian before walking towards the cops. Just when they were getting close, someone bumped into Sapphire from behind. She was about to fall forward when someone caught her and held her up.
"You okay?"
"...?" She looked up to see a male tiger. He was one of the officers; his appearance was the same as any tiger, but with emerald eyes that met with her sapphire orbs. She slightly blushed, not knowing why, but she had to admit that he was handsome for a tiger.
"Miss?"
"Huh...? O-oh, yes I'm fine. Sorry," she backed up, a little embarrassed.
"Its okay," he said.
"Sapphire," Judy called her, "can you come here for a minute?"
"Okay...excuse me," she left the tiger as she walked towards Judy. The rabbit was standing next to a large mammal, a buffalo who had a stern look and a strong physique. Sapphire was beginning to feel even smaller than she was now.
"Miss Lovell," his deep, British voice bellowed, "we would like to welcome you to Zootopia."
"Uh, thank you sir," she said.
"I am Chief Bogo, head of the Zootopia Police Department Precinct 1. My recruits and I will escort you today. So please follow us..." The buffalo walked ahead as the officers and Sapphire followed.
"Did you have any trouble on the way here?" the buffalo looked at Judy.
"Only the surprise visit from a few reporters. I don't know how they knew we were going to be there..."
"You be surprised how the internet picks up a few things," Nick gave his usual smug look. Chief Bogo sighed in annoyance. As they were talking, Sapphire looked at her surroundings. Everything was colorful and full of life. There was all sorts of goods and transportations for each and every mammal, big and small. She awed at them while smiling, though very carefully stepped forward, not to squish any of the smaller beings.
"How do you like it?" A voice caught her attention, and looked to see the same tiger walking beside her.
"Its amazing...nothing like I ever seen before."
"Really?"
"Yes...your home is breathtaking...I mean, its beyond beautiful."
"I'll take that as a high compliment," he chuckled.
"...You know...you sound very calm," she implied, "you're not afraid of me?"
"Not really," he sheepishly smiled, "almost everyone is talking about you, so I wouldn't be surprised..."
"I guess so...oh, sorry...I was talking all this time and I didn't get your name."
"Ahaha, its fine. I'm Martin Saber, officer of ZPD Precinct 1."
"Officer Sapphire Lovell. Its nice to meet you Mr. Saber," she took her hand out and the tiger shook it.
"So you're a cop...oh, and it's Martin, miss."
"Okay...and its Sapphire, mister." They laughed a little. As the group exited the station, the press was already blocking their way. Cameras were flashing and reporters had their notepad and pens out.
"Miss Lovell, a word!"
"Miss Lovell, can you answer a few questions!?"
"Miss Lovell over here!"
"Lovell will answer your questions at the ceremony," Chief Bogo shouted, "so please let us through!" The officers blocked the reporters from Sapphire as they continued to walk. They went towards a few police cruisers, while other officers kept the press away. The buffalo then looked at Sapphire.
"You will be riding with me, miss," he opened the car door as she sat in the passenger seat. Everyone was in their cruisers and were driving down the streets. On the way there, Sapphire looked at the buildings and mammals that came across her view. They stopped at a red light. She then looked at the buffalo, who still had his stern expression with his eyes on the road.
"...Um..." she spoke, getting his attention, "...uh...you said you were the chief of police, right?"
"Yes," he said.
"So, my parents...were they your cadets? I heard that they were officers too..."
"That is true, miss."
"... What were they like? I mean...did they have trouble with their job?"
"I wouldn't say that," he stated, "I'll admit that having them around was interesting." He continued to talk as the green light lit, indicating to drive again.
"They never misjudged anyone, and was always kind to the civilians. Your parents were very understanding...and I did respect them for that."
"Oh..."
"I heard from Officer Hopps that you are also a cop."
"Yes, sir."
"Do you plan on becoming one here?" He glanced at her.
"I...I never thought of that. It would be nice to continue my profession. Being a cop was my dream since I was a kid... and I love helping others, because it makes me feel that I can do more than what others thought I couldn't." She smiled at the thought.
"I see..."
After a while, they arrived at a grassy area. Chairs were set up, and a stage was set right in front. Sapphire stepped out of the car and looked around. There were animals of all sorts, mostly cameras and tv anchor mammals. As the officers escorted her, a lion with a dark suit and red tie came up to them.
"Ah, finally you're here," he laughed hearty, "so where is she?" The buffalo stepped aside as Sapphire stood before him. The lion smiled and put his paw out.
"Welcome miss. I'm Mayor Lionheart, the mayor of this city."
"Nice to meet you," she shook his paw.
"We've been expecting you. So please, come with me to the stage." Without hesitating, Sapphire followed Lionheart. Once there, all eyes were on the stage. Sapphire dealt with an audience before, but a big crowd as this was overwhelming. The mayor tapped the microphone on the podium. He then cleared his throat.
"Citizens of Zootopia," he began, "we are gathered here today to celebrate a new event. As some of you might know, her parents, Officers Chase and Jade Lovell, once lived here and have sacrificed themselves to protect our beloved city. For that, the citizens and myself are grateful for their service. But today, we welcome their daughter and only child to become a part of our society. May I present to you, miss Sapphire Lovell." He gestured his paw to her as everyone clapped and cheered. Sapphire walked up to Lionheart as he gave a smile. He then pulled out a small frame that covered a piece of paper.
"This certificate is the valid proof that Sapphire Lovell, daughter of the Lovell family, is officially a licensed citizen of Zootopia." He gave her the certificate, and everyone cheered.
"Miss Lovell will answer any questions you want to ask now. Miss Lovell," he gestured his paw for her to stand at the podium. As she slowly went up, reports were asking all sorts of questions within every ten seconds.
"Miss Lovell, can you tell us about yourself?"
"What are your thoughts about Zootopia?"
"How does it feel to be a citizen now?"
"Please, one at a time," Mayor Lionheart interrupted.
"Miss Lovell, what can you tell us about yourself?" A reporter repeated his question.
"Um...well...there's not much to say," she started, "I am the Lovell's daughter, but I never really knew my parents that well. I'm also an officer of the law, before I came here..."
"So you're an officer..." another reporter spoke, "can you explain a bit more about it?"
"Uh, yes...well," Sapphire paused for a moment. She took a deep breath and looked at the crowd.
"I have no regrets to what I'm about to say," she began, "I was the youngest cop at the age of 18, who graduated and has successfully landed a career with the best district in my country. However...I...now that I'm leaving that life behind, I think I can speak honestly about my thoughts. You see...for a few years I loved my job as police officer, but not many believed I could be that person. I was poorly treated by some of my co-workers...even if I was the best, they didn't think a small and young cop could ever accomplish anything...they didn't believe that I was important, not because I was a female...but a waste of time, if you put it that way...I mean, how did you think I got this?" She showed her recent bruise on her arm. She could see the audience's expression; shocked, surprised, maybe pity.
"Even so, I never gave up. I became a cop, because I wanted to do more than what I was capable of. I wanted to be someone everyone can depend on when things go wrong."
"Miss Lovell, what do you think of Zootopia itself?"
"Well, I've only been here for a while now, but...its amazing. Its beautiful, its lively, and...ahaha...and its full of surprises. I wouldn't change a thing. I mean, this is the first time I see a world where predators and prey animals live together under one roof. I find that incredibly amazing. I envy you a little...I finally realize why my parents loved this place, so much. Also, I know that there are some of you, who might be uncomfortable with me being here...I understand. In this case I'm an alienated mammal who suddenly popped out of nowhere...but I promise you that you don't have to be afraid. No matter who or what you are, things like differences, class, or species, none of it matters to me. All of you are normal beings just living out your lives, and as myself, I would never misjudge or overlook anyone. That's one rule I learned throughout my whole life."
"Concerning your career...do you plan to continue being a policer officer?"
"Are you planning to apply to Zootopia's police station?"
"I haven't thought about that," she stated, "I would like to continue being an officer, though. I love the job...and especially how I can connect and communicate with the civilians. For now, I have to think about it before making any decisions."
"Do you have any else you want to say?"
"Yes. Some mammals have told me about my parents and how they learned to cope with your society. If I ever come across anyone of you, I hope that we all get along. Thank you for welcoming me to your home and letting me begin a new life..." Everyone clapped as she finished. Just then, Chief Bogo came up to them.
"We have to get going now."
"Alright," Lionheart looked down at Sapphire, "I hope your stay here will be enjoyable."
"Thank you sir," she smiled, leaving the stage as the buffalo led her back to the car.
"Did I stutter? I felt really nervous back there..." she worriedly asked.
"You were perfect," Judy smiled, "I think it was brave of you to tell us that story. I didn't think you had it rough..."
"We can talk about this later," the chief interrupted, "right now we should head to the hospital."
"The hospital?"
"To see Dr. Hornscoff," Nick said, "you'll like the guy. He's very...energetic."
Fast Forward (2 p.m.)
"Sir? There's someone hear to see you."
"Thank you nurse." He looked at the door to find Sapphire, Chief Bogo, Judy and Nick standing there.
"Ah, hello there. Its about time you showed up."
"Doctor Hornscoff," Nick saluted. Hornscoff was an old sheep, with a white coat and stethoscope hanging around his neck.
"I just set up your appointment," he looked at Sapphire, "you're due for a check up, since it has been years since I did one when you were a child..."
"Um...okay...?"
"So Bogo...still hanging around the station, huh? Thought you would retire early for all the chaos that's been going on..."
"Now is not the time for that," he frowned at the sheep, "but I could say the same thing about you."
"You have no idea the kind of responsibility I have as a doctor. At least I have more experience in my work," he smirked, getting an intense glare from Bogo.
"Is he okay?" Sapphire whispered to Nick.
"Don't worry. They usually shout most of the time, so you're lucky they're being 'professional' at the moment."
"Alright...I need to check up on her, so can everyone leave the room?" He mainly stared at the buffalo.
"We'll be outside Sapphire," Judy said as she and Nick tried to push their boss away from Hornscoff. As soon as they left, Sapphire sat on a chair as the sheep checked her heartbeat.
"You seem to be in good health...you're parents were as well so that's a good sign."
"You and um...Chief Bogo don't get along...?"
"Ah, that young punk is always trying to get under my wool," he scoffed, "he just doesn't know when to respect the elderly. I tell ya if I were ten years younger, I'd show him what this old mammal can really do..." Sapphire sweat dropped. Guess they had an unpleasant history at the time.
"Anyway...I hope things weren't difficult for you on your way here."
"No, sir," she shook her head, "but I doubt that everyone is open-minded about my existence here."
"You could be right," he implied, "although you're lucky to be in this generation. Our society is improving more than usual. You see, there's a new law that has been approved; the Inter-species Relationships/Marriages law."
"What's that?"
"Its a law that allows everyone to be free to love or marry anyone, despite what species they may be. I'm not sure if this is similar to any of your laws back there..."
"Actually its is," she stated, "its all about acceptance in the end...and I support that kind of thing."
"That's good." Sapphire looked around the room. She then saw a picture frame on the counter. It showed Hornscoff shaking paws with a jaguar.
"That's a nice picture," she pointed at it, "is it recent?" When the sheep looked at it, his expression was blank. He then sighed before speaking.
"It was taken years ago. He was one of my assistants, but due to an old event he was fired. I never saw him after that."
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."
"Its quite alright my dear," he gave her a piece of paper and a book, "so here are your results...also there may be some things you might need to know, so here's a book of health on every mammal. You never know if an emergency might happen. That's all for now. You can head down to the lobby where your friends are."
"Thank you doctor."
"Oh, and when you see the chief, tell him that I have an application ready for him if he quits his job. Its more professional and pays good than what he's got."
"Uh...sure thing," she sheepishly smiled.
'Sound like they have a very complicated friendship...'
Fast Forward (5 p.m.)
"Is that really true? Did she really do that?" Sapphire looked at the buffalo in shock. They just finished a quick tour around the city, and were now driving down a neighborhood.
"Yes. Even though Lionheart was accused for falsely imprisoning those mammals, his assistant mayor was the one who infected them with the Night Howlers."
"I can't believe it. So this was mainly a prejudice reason..."
"That's right," he nodded.
"Its different from my world. We actually overcame the whole prejudice and stereotyping stage. Its just minor accusations now..."
"Really..."
Sapphire looked out the car window.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"Well, its getting late," he implied, "so its natural that you need a place to stay."
"Oh, right...I should have known...but its not like my parents would give me my own house, right?" She joked. However when she looked at him, he gave a tiny smirk.
"...W-wait...are you kidding me? Did they really..."
"We're here," he pulled up to a house. When Sapphire looked outside, her jaw almost dropped. It was a two story house. The entrance was covered in earth-colored stones, with a window above the front door, and on the right side, two rectangular windows. The rest was covered in light umber wood with a grayish umber rooftop. The windows had white borders around the glass, as well as the rims on the roof and side views. It was breathtaking, and Sapphire could barely speak. Chief Bogo then gave her a key.
"This house was your parent's home, and it stood here since the day you left," he implied, "nothing has changed inside either...so, I hope you like it."
"... Thank you..." she softly smiled. She exited his car. Just before she made another step, the buffalo called out.
"Miss Lovell..."
"...?" She turned around. Chief Bogo then gave her a handout sheet.
"If you feel like finding a job...the station is always open to newcomers."
"...Sure...thank you, chief." She watched as the buffalo drove off. For a while, she just stood in front of her house, gazing at the phenomenal structure.
"Miss Lovell?"
Sapphire turned to the left, and saw a tiger standing on the other side of the knee-length, brick wall.
"Officer Saber?"
"Aha...yeah..." he rubbed his neck. Sapphire looked up at his house. It was almost the same as hers.
"You live here?"
"Yes. This was my parent's home. My dad gave it to me before he moved out."
"Oh wow...so wait...does that mean that we...?"
"Yeah...we were once neighbors. To tell you the truth, I don't remember much about you."
"Well I don't remember anything, so I think we're even," they smiled and chuckled a little.
"Hey, you're back already?" An elderly tiger came out from Martin's house. He wore a sweater vest with a long-sleeve shirt and blue jeans. He was still in his prime, the same height as Martin, but more muscular. When the tiger first looked at Sapphire, he gave a big smile.
"It can't be...is that you Sapphire?" He came up and gave her a hug, surprising her.
"So it is true! You're okay...and just look how much you've grown!"
"Um...thanks...?" She struggled to speak as she was being strangled herself.
"Pops, take it easy," Martin patted his shoulder, "she still has lungs."
"Ahahaha, sorry about that," he released her.
"Miss Lovell, this is my dad, George Saber."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Sapphire Lovell."
"I know who you are," George grinned, "your parents and I were neighbors and good friends. We used to work together at ZPD."
"Really? That's amazing."
"Hey pops, how's Kyle?"
"He just finished eating. I was about to send him to bed..."
"Uncle Martin!" a tiger cub ran out and pounced on Martin.
"Woah-ho, take it easy kid!" Martin laughed as he put the cub on his shoulder.
"Guess what...I got first place in the obstacle course at school."
"Really? Good job!" The tiger cub looked at Sapphire.
"Woah...hey grandpa, is that her? The one you talked about?"
"Hahaha, yes she is Kyle." Kyle jumped down and went around to see Sapphire. Standing in front of her, he was probably about two feet, almost up to her chest.
"So its true then? You really are a human in a different dimension?"
"Uh, yes...you don't seem afraid of me..."
"No way," he swatted his paw playfully, "I've watched aliens and monster movies a lot, so nothing scares me. My name's Kyle Saber."
"Sapphire," she smiled at him.
"Kyle's my nephew," Martin implied.
"Hey uncle Martin, can Sapphire come to our house? Just for a few minutes, please~?"
"I think that's a great idea," George thought.
"Hold on a minute," Martin looked at Sapphire, "is it okay?"
"I would love to," she smiled. Kyle smiled back and took her hand as he pulled her into the house. They had a good time. Kyle was becoming close friends with Sapphire. Mr. Saber told stories about him and Sapphire's parents, and all the cases they solved over the years together. He even told the funniest stories about their mishaps during work.
"Did that really happen?" Sapphire giggled.
"Apparently," George chuckled, "your father and I looked ridiculous when being hung upside-down by one of those traps. Your mother kept giving us that look every time we barged into the scene before thinking. We were troublemakers back then..."
"Wow dad," Martin chuckled, "I didn't know you had it rough."
"Well, that's part of the job...its never a dull day in the force." Mr. Saber looked at the clock; it was almost nine.
"Alright...I should head back home."
"Okay pops. Kyle, say goodbye to your grandpa." Kyle went up and hugged the old tiger.
"I'll pick you up tomorrow. We'll play that alien movie you like so much."
"Cool~!"
"Sapphire," he looked at her, "it was nice seeing you again." She nodded at him. They watched as Martin's dad drove away from them.
"I should get back to my house too."
"Aww...do you have to go?" Kyle complained.
"Don't worry," she smiled, "I live right next door, so you can come visit me whenever you like."
"Alright!"
"But now...it's time for you to go to bed."
"She's right Kyle. Go upstairs now."
"Aw man..." Kyle walked up the stairs and into his room. Martin led Sapphire down the porch stairs and back to her side.
"Your family sure is lively."
"Energetic...?...yes..."
"Does Kyle live with you?"
"No, he lives with my dad, but Kyle sometimes comes over now and again. Its much safer to be with him, and my dad's house is like a fortress, so he's the best bodyguard there is."
"...I hate to ask, but...so Kyle...is he a...?" Martin nodded.
"I'm so sorry..."
"I know. It wasn't fair to him...he was only 5 years old. Ever since his parents died in a car accident, he's been trying to forget it."
"So his dad, was your brother?"
"Yes. He was my older brother. I always looked up to him, and he never ceased to amaze me every time he did something good. Now that he's gone...Kyle and my father are the only family I have left."
"You should be lucky to have them," she glanced away with a sad expression.
"Uh, no...I mean...I'm sorry too...about your parents."
"It's okay," she tried to smile. She sighed and then looked at him.
"... Well...goodnight Saber. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Sure...and it's Martin." Sapphire walked to the front door. As she opened the door, Sapphire looked back at him.
"Can I ask you a favor?" she asked.
"Sure. What is it?"
"Its about the police station," she gave a sheepish smile, "I was wondering if...if you can take me there tomorrow. I'm curious to see what it looks like up close..."
"So I'm guessing you want to work there," Martin chuckled, "if that's what you're saying..."
"Well...maybe...?"
"Ahahaha...sure thing. We can both head there together in the morning."
"That depends...do you wake up at 7 am?"
"I can try," he laughed as Sapphire followed, "well...goodnight, miss Lovell."
"Goodnight...and its Sapphire," she smiled as she entered the house, closing the door behind her.
Sapphire was now in a square room that had a coat rack and chair, next to a desk with picture frames. As she walked further in, she was now in the living room, which was connected to the open kitchen. On her right, there were stairs that led to the second floor. Sapphire walked up the stairs, and saw a wide hallway with four different doors. Curious, she entered each one. One bedroom had a cradle and a kingsize bed, which she thought was her parents room when she was still a baby. Two of them were bathrooms, each having its own shower and bath area. The last one was down the left side of the hallway. Opening the door, she peeked her head in and caught her breath. The room was bigger than the others; a desk with a mirror, a queen size bed with navy blue sheets and blankets, a wall closet and drawer on the side of the wall. On the left side of her bed, there was a window seat. The comfy pillows laid on top, while the dark blue curtains covered the window glass. She looked at the bed, and then noticed a big box hiding under the pillow. Sapphire reached out and placed it on her lap as she sat on the bed. It seemed pretty heavy, which made her curious. On top of the brown box was a letter with her name on it, wrapped with a blue ribbon. She carefully unraveled it and opened the letter.
Dear Sapphire,
We know how much you like the color blue, so we thought we should decorate your new room like this. Happy 7th Birthday my little jewel. We hope you like it.
Love,
Mom & Dad
P.S. No matter what happens, remember to keep us in your heart
Sapphire put the letter down and opened the box. She immediately smiled and felt tears forming. On top was a palm-sized, golden hair pin, shaped into a rose with leaves on the side. Beneath it was a photo album. She flipped through the pages, seeing every photo her parents took. Most of the pages were her as a baby, but within each page, she saw those seven years she lost sight of. The last few pages had her and Martin playing together. Their bright smiles made her heart fill with joy.
"Mom...dad...thank you..." she whispered as she cried softly. She never felt happy to receive a loving gift as this.
