Getting a package delivered was always exciting, even when you already knew what it was. There was just something about opening a parcel and seeing the contents that made the heart beat a little faster. Ryo could understand how some people developed a shopping addiction; it was that little thrill when you took delivery of something and got to unwrap it, like it was Christmas, or your birthday… He slit the package open carefully and…

Dee winced. “Damn, that’s kinda bright, isn’t it?”

“Yes it is,” Ryo agreed, pulling the sealed packet from the outer packaging and frowning at it in consternation. “This isn’t what I ordered.”

“That’s a relief; if it was, I’d say ya needed your eyes tested.”

“I might, after getting an eyeful of this!” The duvet cover and matching pillowcases were a vivid lime green with fluorescent pink trim. “Why would anyone deliberately buy something this color?”

“I’m guessin’ you were after somethin’ a little less dazzlin’.”

“It was supposed to be deep purple with lavender trim.” Ryo shook the bag, and a sheet of paper fell out, which he picked up. “Huh. According to this, they were out of stock of the color I ordered, so they sent a substitute.”

“What’re ya gonna do?”

“Return it and demand a refund.” Ryo shoved the unopened bag back into the packaging, so he didn’t have to look at it. “No one should have something that hideous inflicted on them, especially with no warning.” He sighed. “They looked so good online when I was ordering, great reviews for quality, price, speed of shipping… and they did deliver fast. If they’d substituted some other color, maybe I would’ve just accepted it, but I’d have to be colorblind to live with that.”

“Yeah,” Dee agreed, blinking. “I’m still seein’ afterimages.”


The End