Chapter 1

The air was thick with the scent of pine and cinnamon as I stood in the bustling living room, the Christmas tree twinkling with an array of colorful lights. My son, Eric, had insisted on opening gifts early, his youthful energy buzzing like a live wire. At 18, he was still a boy in many ways, but today, he seemed determined to prove he was a man—or at least, he thought he was being hilariously mature. I, Kathy Joy Schmitz, at 39, had grown accustomed to his antics, but nothing could have prepared me for what was about to unfold.

I was dressed in my usual summer attire, despite the winter chill outside—tight daisy duke jean shorts that hugged my curvy hips, a tank top that showcased my ample cleavage, and sandals that revealed my freshly painted toenails. My wavy brown hair cascaded down my shoulders, and my glowing blue eyes sparkled with anticipation. I felt confident, as always, but there was a hint of unease as I watched Eric rummage through the pile of gifts under the tree.

“Mom, this one’s for you!” he called out, holding up a rectangular package wrapped in garish red and green paper. His grin was wide, almost too wide, and his eyes gleamed with mischief. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet wary. Eric had always been impulsive, and his sense of humor often teetered on the edge of appropriateness.

“What is it?” I asked, my voice laced with cautious curiosity. I took the package from him, feeling its weight in my hands. It was surprisingly heavy, and the shape was ... unusual. My fingers traced the edges, trying to decipher its contents.

“Just open it!” Eric urged, his excitement palpable. “I think you’re gonna love it.” I shot him a skeptical look but tore into the wrapping paper with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. Beneath the festive exterior was a plain brown box, unmarked and unassuming. My heart raced as I lifted the lid, the anticipation building like a storm on the horizon. And then I saw it.