Vanilla stared curiously at the package in her lap. It was white in color, wrapped with a silken red ribbon. A tag tied around the ribbon read "From An Admirer." She blushed, wondering who this "admirer" could be. The thought of a gentleman caller trying to woo her with gifts made her feel like a teenager again. Hands trembling, she carefully undid the ribbon and removed the lid of the box, expecting flowers, candy, perhaps even jewelry...
"A bottle?" Vanilla wondered aloud. This wasn't the gift she was expecting. It wasn't a perfume bottle, just a plain glass bottle, filled with a clear, pinkish-red liquid and sealed with a cork. Enclosed with the bottle was a handwritten note. Burning with curiosity, Vanilla picked it up and read:
Vanilla, you are a stunningly beautiful woman with a soft, gentle eyes and a smile that could warm the coldest heart. But on top of that, you are a loving mother with a heart of gold. You have always helped those in need with a smile, never asking for anything in return. I think it's time somebody did something for you. Although you're not one to complain, I know you've been wishing for a change of pace in your life lately, which is why I've sent you this gift. Just drink the contents of this bottle and I guarantee, you will experience life in a whole new way. Please don't be alarmed: it's not poisoned or drugged.
The note make Vanilla more curious than ever. It was true that she was beginning to feel in a rut, but she hadn't complained about it to anyone. How did this "admirer" know? And how was a bottle supposed to give her a new way to experience life? She picked up the bottle, turning it over in her hands. There were no markings on it, and no further explanations. Just the bottle and the note promising it wasn't poison. Finally, her curiosity overcame her caution, and she uncorked the bottle. Raising it to her nose, she took a whiff. The liquid had a soft, sweet smell, almost like strawberries. Taking a deep breath, she put the bottle to her lips and took a tiny sip...
It was delicious!
The flavor was sweet, fruity, tangy and refreshing. Unable to resist, Vanilla tilted her head back, eagerly swallowing the rest of the liquid. It flowed down her throat like a soft melody. Never in her life had she tasted something so refreshing. With a contented sigh, she set down the now-empty bottle and felt her stomach. It registered no complaints. Vanilla wondered where her admirer, whoever he was, could have gotten such a wonderful drink, but where it had come from, she was grateful that he had shared it with her. If she knew who he was, she would seek him out and kiss him on the lips...but she still didn't understand how the drink would "make her experience life in a whole knew way." But she would find out soon enough...
Setting the box aside, Vanilla stood up and started to walk towards the kitchen...but as she did, she began to feel strangely light-headed. A slight tingling sensation began to move across her body, similar to "pins and needles." Vanilla began to panic, worrying that the drink had been poisoned after all, but just as mysteriously as it had begun, the feeling subsided. "I must've stood up too fast," she told herself. But as she took another step, the strangest thing happened...her foot slipped out of her shoe Lifting the.hem of her skirt, she looked down at her feet quizzically. Her shoes had fit just fine this morning. They couldn't have just stretched like that...
Come now, she scolded herself. You're a grown woman. Don't let your imagination run away with you. And as she set out to do her housework...