A Box Of Gifts

Amidst the heap of broken objects and torn books, Edward shuffles his way through, being careful to not damage them to a greater extent. He searches through the pile of forgotten devices and torn books, to stop in front of a dusty chest. After a brief struggle, he makes a choice.

He breathes deeply, before opening the chest. Inside it, remains of various gadgets and devices are laid astrew, some in mint conditions, while others clearly used, handled with great care. Books can be seen, gathered in neat piles, each emitting faint traces of archaic words and phrases.

At the bottom of the chest, a small, metallic box is seen. Small, slight shimmers can be seen every five seconds, no more, no less. Though faint, traces of heat can be felt, as hazy air can be seen a couple of centimetres above the surface. On the top of the box, a symbol is seen, depicting a weird circle. Small semi-circles, in a hook like manner, is inlaid inside a large circle, reminiscent of a star. At the center of it, surrounded by the star, while small, are some words, almost as if they are meant to be some sort of oath.

With another deep sigh, Edward comes to a decision, and picks up the box from the bottom. Beneath it can be seen another door, leading to where, nobody except the owner knows. A dull thump is heard when the box is shut.

Edward holds the box in front of his eyes, reminiscing the memories within it, and makes the final decision. He hoists the box under his arms, and heads out of the storage. As soon as the door is closed, faint traces of movement can be seen among the objects.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the door, Jake is seen standing in front of the book. Whispers can be heard emanating from it, in languages known and unknown. As he is about to touch the book, a loud voice is suddenly heard, " Young Jake, I have brought to to you your present. Be thankful to this gracious moi."

Holding the box on his right hand, Edward comes back into the main lobby. Jake immediately remoces his hand from the book, and acts as if he was just doing the usual. The only thing that nearly gave it away was the fact that he nearly began to whistle while looking over his shoulders, as if he was going to steal something.

While holding the box, Edward sauntered his way in, looking jolly and relieved. The box, while futuristic and advanced, emanated a sense of antiquity, history gushing from its fold. Edward then reached to Jake, and handed him the box.

"Here boy, happy birthday to you. Take it a s gift from me. I hope you have a happy year, and an even happier future." Jake listened in silence, before slowly taking the box.

"What's in the box? Will anything happen to me? Is there a catna inside?" A barrage of question poured out, and before any more questions could be asked, Edward made a gesture to make him shut his mouth. "Whoa, whoa there boy, easy thre with questions. One at a time, one at a time."

Edward straightened himself, before replying "This here is a wishing box. Whatever you want, it will give. Whether it be a catna, an infinite slice of pizza, or even a neutron star." With a grand gesture, Edward started to explain as if he was a salesman, pitching a miracle product.

Though skeptical, Jake gingerly took the box, and said "Thank you I suppose...?", and explored the box with curiosity. He shook the box, yet nothing was ever heard. Despite all the skepticism, he chose to believe the old man, as he knew that no matter how silly Mr. Edward acted, he always kept his word. Well, mostly.

"Now my dear boy, I have given you your first present. For your second gift, pick whatever you want. Anything from the store obviously." Edward announced again with a grand gesture, and spread his arms wide open with grandiose while doing so.

With a small spin, Jake turned around, and pointed to a bookshelf, "Then, can I have the book over there?"