Schrödinger's Cat

Our lives are centered around unpredictability. Although the thrill of the unknown can be exciting sometimes, more often than not, people are not ready to deal with their fears. And something tells me this was one of those days when I must expect the unexpected.

I picked up the mysterious box that was sitting on the couch and examined it carefully. It felt very light. I wondered what it could be. I was still unsure if this package was really meant for me, so I decided to search for more clues. Detective Akio is now on the case!

"Mom? Are you sure it's not one of my dad's cosplays?" I asked her. And I must admit, that sounded funny when I said it out loud. Especially since my father's job isn't exactly cosplaying. Believe it or not, he's actually one of the most popular weather forecasters in Japan.

You see, a few years ago, he lost a bet with one of his producers and had to dress up as a famous anime character for a day. He did the whole weather segment dressed like that, too. It was hilarious, and he had a blast doing it! However, the higher-ups weren't too pleased with my father's comedic performance at the time.

Things escalated fast, and my dad and his producer almost got fired because of it. But when a clip went viral on the internet, more and more people started watching the news again. The ratings were through the roof, and the people in charge had a change of heart.

Now, my dad presents a special weather forecast every Friday, where he cosplays different anime characters and sometimes even famous people. My father loves making people laugh, and the fact that he's also having fun at work makes this a win-win situation for him!

"I doubt your dad would put your name on there if this was a surprise present. So it must be something you've ordered. Maybe you forgot." Mom laughed, interrupting my thoughts.

Come on, mom! My memory isn't THAT bad! I thought to myself. Still, I had to get to the bottom of this and check out what was inside. How bad could it be? Worst-case scenario, I will have to return the package to the sender and maybe get the money back. I don't know if that is possible, but if it involves free money, I'm in!

I shook the box a few times, and I could tell there was something in it. Not only that, but I can also hear a noise coming from it, like a bell of some sort. I left the room to grab a kitchen knife to unseal the package. I carefully pressed the knife against the seal and gently opened the box.

Whatever this is, it's sealed in a plastic bag. It feels like there's something soft and squishy inside. I gently lifted it up, and I instantly froze. I realized what it was. In my hands there was a CAT PLUSHIE! I immediately dropped it on the ground and took a step back.

"Is that a cat? It's so cute!" Mom said this while picking it up and ripping off the plastic bag.

Normally, I would be terrified, but this cat seemed familiar. It looked just like the one Yuki found this morning! What a coincidence! I didn't notice at first, but there was something else in the box. After further inspecting the package, I found a little toy rat with a bell attached to it. It looked like a real cat toy!

But the question is: who sent it to me? I doubt Yuki would do something like that. She doesn't even know where I live. Which means detective Akio still has two suspects on his list. So I picked up my phone and searched for the 3 Leaf Clovers group chat.

"Ok, which one of you clovers did it?" I wrote along with the angriest emoji I could find. I also attached a photo of the cat plushie and waited for their responses.

"It was both of us, actually," Hikaru replied, adding a "sorry" sticker after his message.

It was both of them? Now that's impressive! I wonder how Rika was able to lure Hikaru into this.

"Oops! You've got us! I'm glad it arrived safely! The kitty looks cuter than I thought. And before you get the wrong idea, no, this isn't a prank. I did some research on my own, and I have found out that having a toy cat helps with your phobia." Rika said.

"Yes, it helps with desynthesizing. And I hope you're not upset with us." Hikaru wrote.

"I'm not upset with you guys; I appreciate the gesture. Thank you! Just tell me next time you're going to send me things, ok?" I wrote.

"Ok, promise! Now, Akio, tell me, did you think of the Schrödinger's Cat experiment when you opened the box?" Hikaru wrote.

"Hikaru, noooo! I know you're the smartest guy in school, but please don't talk about quantum mechanics outside school hours!" Rika replied with a voice memo.

"I'm surprised the words "quantum mechanics" came out of your mouth, but yes, you are correct! Great job!" Hikaru wrote.

Rika felt really good about herself after Hikaru's praise and kept spamming the chat with hearts. I didn't want to interrupt their little moment, so I decided to remain silent for a few minutes. I think they would make a great couple, but I will keep this secret to myself for now.

"Hey, Akio! I also have something else that might help you. Here, check this link out!" wrote Hikaru.

I waited for the site to load. Huh? What's that? It seems this is a site where people can post their own novels. That's cool. I never knew Hikaru was into this sort of thing!

He quickly deletes the message and sends me a different link.

"Forget what you saw; that was a mistake." Hikaru wrote.

This time, he sent me a link to a VR game. I assume he wants me to play it and interact with virtual cats as a form of therapy. That's a great idea!

"Thanks, Hikaru! The game looks great. And I liked the other site, too! Do you write novels there?" I wrote.

"Umm, that was a mistake, sorry. And to answer your question, no, I like to read stories sometimes."

"Since we're now just discovering each other's hobbies, it means we need to catch up ASAP! Let's have a 3 Leaf Clovers offline meeting this Sunday!" Rika wrote.

"Offline meeting? Don't we see each other at school almost every day?" Hikaru added.

"No, that doesn't count. It's like going to work. Let's meet at a café!" Rika replied.

"I'm down!" I wrote.

"I have to study; maybe some other time," said Hikaru.

"I'll buy you the special limited edition gummy bear parfait that you've always wanted to try. My treat" said Rika.

"That is a bribe, but I'll take it. Count me in." Hikaru wrote.

So that's how Rika managed to convince him to take part in her shenanigans! Clever!

"Then it's settled! Sunday, 11 a.m., at the café near the bookstore. I can't wait to see you there, Clovers!" Rika wrote.

I can't wait, either. We're going to have a great time!