Saved the Paper — Long-Sleeve Tee

There are people who open presents quickly. You have invited one of them into your home, and they are watching you lift the tape with a degree of patience neither of you expected to need. The paper has little folds of color in it. Someone chose this. You would like to reach the present without destroying their other excellent decision.

The person who gave it to you says you can tear it. You say you know. They say this is becoming quite suspenseful for them as well. A corner finally comes free, the room makes a small encouraging noise, and you discover the present is lovely. This leads to the entirely fair accusation that you have spent longer complimenting the wrapping.

You keep both. The paper becomes the cover of a notebook, then spends months being noticed in places where the person who chose it has never been. Sometimes you tell the whole story. Sometimes the color is enough. There is pleasure in a thing continuing to be beautiful after its first job is done.

The next time your friend comes over, you are in the mulberry long sleeve and the notebook is open beside you. They spot it immediately. You tell them you have been using their present. They say they meant the paper. Naturally they did. You ask whether they would like to see how carefully you have kept the ribbon. They take off their coat. This appears to require another visit.

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