Unboxing (Patreon)

He knew they had been struggling, and he hadn’t really hoped for much, but still he was a bit disappointed looking at the small line of unwrapped Christmas gifts on the coffee table. The pile of wrapped boxes under the tree was gone and dad had stood up to get everyone a refill. Bourbon, ginger ale, a squeeze of lemon and plenty of ice. With the whole family plus grandma in one room, and the fire getting rid of all the wrapping paper roaring, glasses were emptying fast. Dad took pride in giving each and everyone the right amount of bourbon. Grandma didn’t even realized it had booze in it until after several years.

- Sam, come with me. I need some help.

It’s the reason for the season after all, to sit together and have a good time. Pete and the girls had decent gifts, all things considered, and if he got shafted to make their holiday a bit merrier, it was a burden he was willing to take as the oldest son.

- Coming.

The house was big, even for a family of six. They bought it during the big recession, when house prices were falling off a cliff, so they knew they always had a good place to call home. But for all the talk of recovery and great share prices, it was always a struggle in these parts of the country to find really good jobs. It wasn’t like they had a problem getting food on the table, but they hadn’t made any big vacation trips, like when he was really young.

- Hey, how’s it going, Sam? You looked a bit muted in there.
- No, it’s all good. I think I nailed the gift for Pete. He didn’t see that one coming.
- You’re always good at that. Picking things people didn’t knew they wanted.
- It’s just… You know, just pay attention to people. Find out where they struggle.
- Speaking of which, have you looked in the garden room?
- No. Why?
- Have a look then.

They called it the garden room because you had a great view over the back side garden from it. It was furnished as a tea room, with Christina’s piano in there, but it wasn’t used very much. It was a bit too formal. Coffee tables, armchairs and two not very comfortable couches. In one of which an almost naked man slumped, as if he was asleep.

- What the… Is that a…
- A Synshell, yes. Mum and I see how much you care, and how much time you spend on helping Pete get his grades up. You gave up your athletic career to help him. The least we could do was give you the body you’ve always wanted.
- But this is… These are super expensive. I can’t…
- It’s a return I’m afraid. It’s not defect or anything, but you can’t customize it. A few years older than you also, but I guess that’s better than staying sixteen forever. You just have to decide if you want it or not. The specs are off the charts.
- I didn’t stop training to help Pete. I just wasn’t very good at it…
- Merry Christmas, son.
- Can I check in the boxers before I decide?
- I expect nothing less.

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