Let me tell you all a story. Over the past year, I've been having a rough time. Between messy break-ups and an even worse time with my mom going through divorce... Well, it's been fun. I guess it's one of those years that you look back on and think, "Yup, glad that's over."

A while back I decided to participate in the gift exchange. A few people discouraged me because they never got anything, but I thought, "Hey, if I can make someone smile, it'll be all good." And so I signed up and patiently waited for my match.

Up until a couple of hours ago, I thought the rumours were right. I thought I wouldn't get a gift, that my match was too busy, or broke, or whatever. But then I got a call from my mom, who said there's some weird package for me.

So, I drove 40 km/h over the speed limit and basically ripped it out of her hands. I didn't open it right away, I guessed what it could have been for a while, thinking of maybe some book or a movie, or maybe a stuffed toy of some kind. But when I actually popped the box open, it was better than anything I could have ever imagined.

The first thing I saw was a kettle. I thought it was pretty cool because I'm moving out in a week and I have zero appliances. "But why a kettle?" I thought as I pulled out what I then considered to be just paper to keep the kettle in place.

As I rummaged through the paper, I realized it was actually a paper bag, and there was something inside—the absolutely gorgeous and fantastic t-shirt I am wearing in the photos. See, I have always been fond of zebras—hence the username—and I'm absolutely ecstatic any time I get anything zebra-related. But this was even better. The actual zebra is drawn in my favorite color, purple, and is holding a drink, much like I usually am (only on the weekends, folks, no need to worry). AND it was my size! I loved it!

As I pulled out the kettle, I also noticed inside it has a tea with my favorite sweet ingredient—cinnamon! I breathed in the sweet smell of Yogi Stress Relief Kava, and when I opened my eyes I finally saw one, last, most important thing in the box—a letter.

This letter has given me a smile, a warm heart, and courage. I won't tell you the contents, but DragonFan did her homework. She looked and creeped and peered and she told me that everything will be ok, and sometimes that's just what you need to hear. I swear I'm not usually this sentimental, but I teared up a little and I realized that no matter who you are or what you're going through you can always find a friend.

Dear DragonFan, from the top, bottom, sides and insides of my heart, thank you. Thank you infinitely for the perfect gift. I only hope your secret santa was just as kind, but in case he wasn't, you might be receiving an even bigger thank you from me in the post.

With love, StripedHorse.

TL;DR: There is nothing better than this gift, and always remember you'll be ok, no matter what.