Futaba Gifts Novels & Stories

My heart’s pounding like I’m about to argue in front of the Supreme Court, and all I’m doing is sitting in the back of a cab with gift boxes on my lap. But not just any gift boxes—these are carefully researched, crowd-sourced, kid-approved peace offerings for the toughest jury I’ve ever faced: Perry’s five-year-old son, Jacob. Paw Patrol Action Playset? Check. NERF Blaster? Double check. Bribery thinly disguised as thoughtful gift-giving? I call it strategy.

I tug slightly on his arm wiping at the side of his lips with the pad of my finger. I turn to Caela who has a stuffed giraffe halfway inside her shirt, making me laugh, a bunch of colorful plastic keys clenched in her left fist, “You want to keep that one huh?” I rub her hair with one hand, “I guess will add that one to the basket since you like it so much” I think Gio, one of Tommy's friends brought that one, there were so many gifts at the time of their birth I couldn't possible keep track, but it is cute though, with a matching Tiger for Angelo, but he seems to have a liking for automobiles. I leave after playing with them for a short while.

“Shanghai deal is in final signature. Tokyo wants to expand their order, and we got a call from Dubai—two luxury food groups want Zenith on their launch calendars.” I nodded but kept my eyes on the screen. “That’s good.” “You don’t care,” he said, but he was smiling. He put the folder down on the coffee table and came around to see my phone. “Ah. Gifts.” “Chocolates for Donna,” I said. “And a doll. And art supplies. And books. And maybe a globe.” He laughed. “So… everything.” “I do not want to overdo it,” I said. “I also do not want to show up with something that feels thoughtless.”

I laughed when I saw the bundle of fuzzy socks. Kaya had been going on and on about how comfy they were and how I should get some. I put on one of the pairs. We continued like this, going back and forth, and it was a blast to watch everyone enjoy everything they were getting. When Kimi opened up one of the gifts Kaya got her, she squealed. It was a utility knife with a variety of different gadgets into one. Then she also got her fuzzy boots like the ones I had bought Kaya. Everyone was in high spirits. When everyone was done, the place was a wreck. Paper was everywhere.

Sophia’s POV . “These gifts are from dad?” Colton asked when I showed him his birthday surprises that we had packed last night. “Yes!” “Yeeee!!!! It means that you will send a gift for me too.”, Calvin said, getting excited. “I hope he will get me a Micro Kickboard Maxi Deluxe and Kids Selfie Camera.”, he added in a dreamy tone. Thankfully, I knew what he wanted, so I had already bought his birthday gifts when I had purchased them for Colton.

Gabriel handed out the prizes and they all sang out together as though planned, “Thank you, Uncle Gabriel” and ‘Uncle Gabriel’s face lit up so much more after hearing them call him that and so affectionately too. He cleared his throat and asked them if they were not going to open up and see what they won? They looked at him eagerly as though, waiting for permission to open them up, and he told them to go ahead. Even Jacob received a prize and was amongst them excitedly ripping the wrapping to uncover the prize. “WOW! THIS IS SO COOL”, “IT LOOKS SO EXPENSIVE”, “I HAVE NEVER TOUCHED SOMETHING THIS EXPENSIVE BEFORE”, “CAN I PLAY GAMES ON IT?” and so many more comments and questions could be hea

She asked him, “You also look like you’re not bringing anything. Who are you here to criticize other people?” “Me?” Felix smiled. “My gift will arrive soon.” A girl asked, “Felix, what gift have you bought?” Felix smoothed his shirt and proudly said, “I’m buying Grandma Shalom Technology’s latest product. It’s the booster!” Pooh! Thomas nearly cracked up. Were they giving the same gifts? Felix explained, “Shalom Technology has been purchased by a mysterious boss recently. Based on my knowledge, this boss is crazy rich. With this big boss’ promotion, they develop their latest product, the booster. It’s a new technology that can help the elderly move around!

They had been very thoughtful. After the game and drinks, the gifting process began. Pack members brought me gifts first, hand-knitted jumpers and sweaters, small shoes and baby products. In cute blue, green, purple, white and silver shades. I accepted every gift with gratitude and love for they were very precious to me. “Luna, I hope you birth a healthy pup and bless our alpha with many more,” an elderly woman gave her blessings, placing her hand on my head. “Your prayers are all that I need,” I replied in appreciation.