Bet you didn't see this one back then...

Desiree

Congrats on completing the opening of the present! Hope you enjoyed it. I made things a little more extreme so you'd remember it better. When you think back to your 20th birthday you will remember the sights and the sounds of the Most Difficult Present You've Ever Tried To Open.

We put a lot of effort into this project. I put a lot in because... I love you Desiree, and I wanted to give you something a simple present could not give. Sure there is fun and laughter in an alarm and in chains, but the real gift I had for you was that of pushing you out of your comfort zone that little bit.

My love goes free.

You've said "I love you" to your family. I'm not sure when the last time you said it was. It may have been awkward this time round, it may have been weird, it may have been inappropriate. But Desiree, think of it this way... now that you've done it once, you're absolutely free to do it again when it really matters. You're not bounded by as much awkwardness to say those powerful words as before, because you have already said them in an informal setting. And that... is what i was trying to give you through this gift.

Your love goes free.

The present is done with dear, and all will remain is a memory of it. But the freedom to express love, will remain with you always.

You're a bird with a pretty mouth
You're a bird with a song to shout

Only now does the final little gift in the hidden compartment of the box hold big meaning. So when you look at it i just hope you'll remember at least this one thing,

Our love goes free.

Happy Birthday Desiree.

Love,
Justin and Marianne