Nikodemus spots a dazzling squirrel on the apple tree outside his window, then a gold envelope appears. Something magical is waiting just beyond the glass.
Every morning, Nikodemus liked to press his hands against the cool window and watch the apple tree sway outside his room. The light was ordinary, the bed was unmade, and the room was quiet. But on this morning, something was different.
On the thickest branch sat a squirrel the colour of a summer sky. Its tail looked like a soft blue cloud, and on its head perched a tiny golden hat that shone in the sunlight. Nikodemus blinked once. Then twice. The squirrel blinked right back.
Before he could even whisper, the squirrel lifted one paw and waved.
Nikodemus leaned closer until his nose nearly touched the glass. His heart began to thump with excitement. The squirrel tipped its little hat, and something flashed among the leaves. A golden envelope slid onto the windowsill as quietly as a whisper.
Nikodemus stared at it. On the front, written in shining letters, were the words: For Nikodemus.