Jazzy finished school for the day. With a gray beanie on her head, Jazzy glared at her laptop. I hate online classes. Three homework yesterday and today, I have four new assignments. Can you believe that? Not to mention those never-ending projects, all these are way too much for any student. It’s getting ridiculous. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Relax now. Just think about that delicious lunch you had earlier. Hmm. So yummy. A little smile crept across her face. Maybe I’ll have the same thing for tonight. Yeah! I better call Rocky later. Anyway, I cannot blame my teachers. Remember, it’s business. That must be it. Because of the pandemic, I assume that my school cut costs by hiring fewer teachers this school year. Students to teacher ratio are probably at its highest. Pandemic or no pandemic, private schools are in it to make money. And that’s the bottom line.

A telephone ring snapped her train of thought.

“Hello? Yes, ooh... okay. I’m on my way down. Yippee!” Jazzy threw her hands in the air and stormed out of their condominium unit.

SWOOSH! Jazzy jumped down from the stairs. THUD!

She checked her time. “55 seconds from the 6th floor. Yes!” Jazzy pumped her fist. “That’s my new world record.” She bowed to the imaginary crowd cheering for her incredible achievement. “Thank you, thank you. You are so kind.”

“Hello, Jazzy.” The dayshift guard chuckled while pointing to the lobby. “Your package is waiting.”

“Hee-hee. Thanks, Danny.” She approached the lobby area.

“Please sign here,” the courier said before giving her the box.

“Package for Miss Jasmine Lopez?” another man asked.

Jazzy pointed to herself. “Me, me, me.”

“Hooray!” She yelled after receiving her second box.

“Hey, Jazzy. Can you manage, or do you still need some help?” Danny asked.

“Don’t worry. I got this.” She placed her chin on top of the first package, securing both boxes before entering the elevator. “A little help here, Danny. Can you kindly press 6 for me?”

“No problem, Jazzy,” Danny replied with a smile.

The elevator door closed.

#

Rushing inside, Jazzy placed the two boxes on the dining table. She read the first package. Hmm. From Raquel Lopez. Ah, you shouldn’t have. Nah, of course, you should.

“Yippee!” Jazzy threw her hands in the air. “Baseball stuff from Rocky.”

Removing her beanie, she wore the new red cap while placing the baseball uniform over her chest. “Whoa! I make this look good,” Jazzy said, striking a pose in front of the mirror.

She read the second package. Huh? From Jazzy Lopez? That’s weird. It must be a typo. Hmm. And there’s no return address. Opening the second box, Jazzy found a stuffed toy inside. “What is this?” She picked it up. “Ugh! It’s so heavy. Maybe 10 pounds? Nah, it’s more like 20.”

She examined her gift, pulling it closer to her face. This toy is so realistic. It looks like a real fawn French bulldog. Aww. Look at him. He—is—so—cute.

Jazzy kissed her new toy, then it moved. Her eyes widened. Whoa! It’s alive? No way! She cuddled the puppy as it continued to wiggle. “Are you alright, cutie pie?” Jazzy shook her head in disbelief. “I didn’t even know that you can send animals through the parcel. Talk about animal cruelty.”

The fawn French bulldog snuggled closer to her. “Hee-hee. You are so sweet. Hey! Cut it out. I’m ticklish. Wait a minute. What do I name you?”

RULF! The puppy barked, wagging his tail.

“Ralph? That’s not a bad name,” she said, nodding. “Do you like it if I call you Ralph?”

RULF! The puppy barked again, bobbing his head.

“Okay. So, Ralph, it is.”