Lona, this is quite a surprise! It’s good to see you here. I didn’t think I’d see you until I got home,“ said Grandpa Leo.
“I thought it would be a nice surprise and give us all a chance to visit. It’s been a while since we were all together”, said Lona.
“We all seem to stay very busy, but it’s good to have some time together with everyone”, replied Grandpa Leo, “Now would anyone like to see what I brought back from my trip?”
“Yes”, cried Cassidy, jumping up and down, hardly able to control herself.
“Calm down”, said Cassidy’s mother, “Give Grandpa Leo a chance to show us what he brought”.
Grandpa Leo lifted the carry-on bag he’d carried in from the car. He rummaged around inside for a minute and then pulled out a small package, wrapped in a red silk cloth, tied with a yellow ribbon.
“I believe this is for you Cassidy”, said Grandpa Leo as he handed it to his granddaughter, “I ran across this in a little shop and thought it would be something you’d really enjoy having”.
Cassidy reached out and took the package being offered by Grandpa Leo, barely able to control her excitement at the surprise. Sitting down she quickly untied the ribbon and unwrapped the silk cloth, exposing a hand carved wooden box. Lifting the lid, Cassidy saw that the box contained, nestled in purple velvet, a pendant attached to a thin golden chain. The pendant was carved in the shape of a horse from a solid piece of yellow topaz.
“The horse is your Chinese zodiac sign", said Grandpa Leo, “and the Chinese believe that topaz is associated with courage, confidence, creativity and security. It is used to overcome fears and achieve all kinds of amazing goals”.
“Awesome”, cried Cassidy has she gazed at the pendant, “It’s beautiful. I love it. Thank you! Thank you!”.
Grandpa Leo reached into the carry-on back and pulled out another package. This one was wrapped in bright red paper with kanji characters.
“This is for you, Angelina”, has he handed the package to Cassidy’s mother.
As she un-wrapped the package, Angelina saw that it contained a beautiful blue kimono, trimmed in gold.
“This is gorgeous”, exclaimed Angelina, as she held it up to herself, “Thank you very much”.
“You are both very welcome and I hope you enjoy your surprises”, replied Grandpa Leo, “It’s getting late, so we better be going and let you all get to bed. Cassidy, I’ll see you tomorrow so we can go out to lunch. I’ll drop by around 11:30 am and we’ll drive to the restaurant”.
With that, everyone said “Good night” and Grandpa Leo and Grandma Lona left to go home.
