“Morning, Anna,” she said without looking at me. Her voice was bright yet cold. “Merry Christmas.”
“What are you doing? Melanie?” My throat felt tight. “That’s my gift!”
Melanie turned to face me, holding the box as if it were hers.
“Come on, girl,” she said with a small laugh, but her eyes were hard. “Your dad always spoils you. Let’s see if he finally got something decent this time.” With that, she ripped open the rest of the wrapping paper, the sound of the tearing paper echoing in the otherwise silent room.
I watched in horror as she lifted the lid of the box. Inside was a beautiful, hand – carved wooden music box. Its surface was adorned with intricate patterns of flowers and vines, and when Melanie opened it, a soft, lilting melody filled the air.
Melanie’s eyes widened in surprise, and then a calculating look crossed her face. “Well, this is quite the find,” she said, her voice dripping with avarice. “This must be worth a fortune. Your dad is such a fool for giving it to you.”
I was seething with anger. “Give it back, Melanie! That’s mine! Dad gave it to me!” I reached out to grab the music box from her, but she pulled it out of my reach.
“Not so fast, Anna,” she sneered. “I think I’ll be keeping this. You don’t appreciate nice things anyway. And your dad will never know the difference.”
Just then, the doorbell rang, its sudden shrill sound cutting through the tense atmosphere. Melanie and I both froze, staring at each other.
“Who could that be?” Melanie muttered, her eyes darting nervously towards the door.
I didn’t answer. I was too focused on getting my music box back. But before I could make another move, Melanie quickly stuffed the music box into her oversized handbag.
“Stay here,” she commanded, as if I was a child to be bossed around. She smoothed down her hair and put on a fake smile before walking towards the front door.
I was so angry that I could barely think straight. I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t let Melanie get away with stealing my gift. I quietly followed her, staying out of sight.
When she opened the door, I heard a familiar voice. It was my dad. He was back early from his trip.
“Hi, Melanie,” he said, his voice sounding tired but happy. “Merry Christmas! I couldn’t wait to get home and see you and Anna.”
Melanie’s fake smile faltered for a second, but she quickly regained her composure. “Oh, you’re back early! What a surprise. Anna’s just upstairs. I’ll go get her.”
As she turned to come back inside, she saw me standing there. Her eyes widened in panic.
Dad stepped into the house and looked at us. “What’s going on? Why do you both look so… strange?”
I took a deep breath. “Dad, Melanie took my gift. The one you gave me. She opened it even though you told me not to until Christmas morning, and now she’s trying to keep it.”
Dad’s face darkened. He looked at Melanie. “Is this true?”
Melanie tried to stutter out an excuse. “I… I was just curious. I didn’t think it was a big deal. And it’s such a valuable item. I thought it would be better off with me, for safekeeping.”
Dad’s eyes flashed with anger. “That’s not for you to decide, Melanie. That gift was for Anna. And you had no right to touch it, let alone steal it.”
He walked over to Melanie and held out his hand. “Give it back. Now.”
Melanie reluctantly reached into her handbag and pulled out the music box. She handed it to Dad, her head bowed in shame.
