Rings

I’m happy to fund your little excursions,

but really, rings, at your age, my sister

ranted, annihilating my dreams. I knew

her answer was final, I wouldn’t argue.

But it was another nail in our deteriorating

relationship. Father had a big heart.

I would approach him. So I plucked up

my courage and asked him outright.

Once he heard me correctly, he let

out a startled gasp. But he recovered

quickly, and fished in his big wallet.

Here’s fifty pounds, he said, jamming

a crisp note in my hand. Buy your girl

something gorgeous. I blushed hugely

and thanked him repeatedly. Alice would

have her ring.