Consumed by bunches of wrapping, I reach for another long tube covered by more of the bright colorful, birthday themed wrapping paper.

“Oh! This one’s from us! We thought that since your turning 18, we would keep the family tradition!” My mom interrupted.

I keep her words in mind as rip the top of the tube and pull out what’s inside. A worn out, aged piece of parchment is in my hands.

Laughter escapes me uncontrollably at the thought of a mere map being a “family tradition”.

“It’s not funny! This is seriously part of our family history!” My Dad lectures me.

I raise my eyebrow at him and decide to look at the map. I recognize the red X in the middle as that one place we found a small hut in the middle of nowhere while on a trip to Sicily.

“Wait… why do we have this?” I ask

“Well, you see… that hut belonged to a witch, and that witch… was your great, great, great grandmother’s.” My mom answers.

“She was known as the Witch of Sicily. She cursed anyone who touched this keychain.” Me dad explained while holding out a keychain with a small crystal I recognize as Sodalite.

I roughly yank the crystal keychain, getting a scoff from my Dad, and touch it gently. I will ensure it’s safety forever… for you Nonna.