Chapter Five: A Child in Distress

 Santa Claus always came with a gift every Christmas since he was five years old. Always. So far, he has received all kinds of toys from the North Pole, most of which are educational and mentally demanding. The toys he received challenged his memory and improved his cognition. It was always that same important intensity every single time. But the last Christmas gift was a little odd. He was presented with toy soldiers when he turned nine years old, with a note inside the packet which reads "your guardians."

At first, he was confused with the toys he received that Christmas, so he asked his parents. Parents are enchanted by the Mirrorites to remember that they bought for gifts to their children, and that they are hiding the fact that it came from them and not from a fictional Santa Claus. They have been coached exactly what to say.

"Why, Hunter, don't you want to have toy soldiers that will protect you from distress? We thought you would like them, honey. Santa Claus is never wrong," his mom simply said.

Hunter loves his parents very much, and he does not want to disappoint them so he faked satisfaction. "Yeah. I think this is a brilliant idea. Santa Claus is always making great choices, and full of gift ideas. I love them!"

"I am glad you do."

His mother, Louise, was busy preparing for lunch from the leftovers on Christmas Eve, so Hunter excused himself and went to his room. He still couldn't believe the gift he received. There is something odd about it, and he can feel the energy that there was a hidden cryptic message somewhere.

He took the packet of toy soldiers once again and studied them out of curiosity. There was a message on the top label that said: "Open Immediately."

Again, at first, he was not too sure. He had never played with toy soldiers before, although he likes toy cars and trucks, building blocks, and space rangers. It does not make sense for him why he was stuck with these soldiers who are ready for battle. It is simply mind-boggling, and very curious. But he cannot disappoint his parents by complaining. Especially his mom.

He then considered the printed direction very carefully, and finally, he decided to open the packet. Twenty toy soldiers dropped on the top of his bed as he tear the packet apart with a pair of scissors. They all look brave and ready to defend.

He picked the one who was different from all the rest and looked at it. It is holding a rifle, seems more than brave than necessary, and is ready on attack position. It seems very capable for its supposed task. 

Most boys would be glad to get this present. But not Hunter. He loves mind games, and fictional books. Or board and card games. He has no interest in guns and the battlefield and all the atrocities that goes with it.

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This Chapter is made possible by Puma Men's Watch.