I still recall how my mothers ring sparked the quarrel that lingered through our household for years.
No, Mum, Im not handing that ring over! I shouted, my voice trembling with outrage. You gave it to me for my eighteenth birthday!
My dear, Eleanor Smith said, fiddling nervously with the folds of her woolen cardigan, it isnt just any ring. It belonged to your grandmother, and now its meant for Katie.
Katie? What does my younger sister have to do with it? I snapped, yanking open the top drawer of the old chest. Why does she suddenly need my ring?
Eleanor sank heavily onto the edge of the settee. The conversation was turning sour, but she refused to back down.
Katies wedding is approaching, you know. Max has proposed, but they cant afford a wedding band. I promised wed help.
We? I lifted a tiny velvet box from the drawer and clenched it tightly. Did you even ask me?
Marion, my mothers tone softened to pleading, its a family heirloom. The ring must pass to the one who is about to marry. Katie is starting a family, and you
So Im the old spinster, then? I bitterly laughed. What does it matter that Im over thirty and still single? That ring is the only thing you ever gave me from the heart. I remember you saying, Keep it safe, love, it will bring you happiness.
Eleanor rose and tried to place a hand on my shoulder, but I stepped back.
Youve always favored Katie, I whispered, opening the velvet box. The gold band, set with a small garnet, caught the evening light that filtered through the curtains. She always gets the best: pretty dresses, costly toys, your attention
Thats not true! Eleanor protested. I love you both equally!
Is that so? I slipped the ring onto my ring finger. Do you recall when I started university and Katie was busy with some school competition? Whom did you go to support? Whom did you rush to the graduation ceremony for? Who did you comfort after her first breakup?
Eleanor lowered her eyes. There was a grain of truth in my words, though she could not admit it outright.
Katie is five years younger. She needed more of my time.
Exactly, I said. Now she wants my ring.
A sudden knock echoed through the hallway. I tensed; I wasnt expecting anyone. Eleanor wiped away the tears that had gathered and went to answer.
Katie dear, come in, her voice softened instantly, honeyed and gentle.
I clenched my teeth, wishing I could retreat to my room, shut the door, and avoid this farce. Yet I stayed, fists balled, in the middle of the sitting room.
Hey, sis! Katie burst in like a small storm, her fiery hair and freckled nose making her look younger than her twentyfive years. Whats all this serious talk? You look as if youd just been served a lemon!
We were discussing Grandmothers ring, I replied curtly.
Oh, Mum told you already? Katie flopped into an armchair, crossing her legs. Im thrilled! Max proposed! Well marry at the end of spring. The only problem is the rings were short of money, but I want something special.
So you think you can take my ring? I stared her straight in the eyes.
Its not mine, its Grandmothers, Katie shrugged. Mum said tradition says it goes to the first daughter who marries. You dont mind, do you?
I glanced at our mother, who stood off to the side, twisting the edge of her cardigan.
I do mind, I said firmly. It was given to me, and I wont give it up.
But Marion, Mum interjected, were family. We must look out for each other.
Yes, Katie agreed. Besides, its just gathering dust in that box.
A lump rose in my throat. I wanted to answer, but the words stuck. Instead, I rose silently and slammed the door shut.
In my bedroom I collapsed onto the bed, face pressed into the pillow. They always decide everything for me, never asking what I think, I thought. Its as if Im a mere appendage, not a true part of the family.
I remembered the day I received the ring. I had just turned eighteen, and my friends and I were heading to a café for a birthday toast. Before we left, Mum called me into her room.
Darling, I have something special for you, she said, pulling out a small box. This is my mothers ring, your greatgrandmothers. It passes from mother to daughter. Its yours now. She always said it brings happiness and helps you find true love.
Back then I didnt give the words much thought; I was simply grateful to finally own something valuable, because everything else seemed to go to Katie, the younger, favoured child.
A knock sounded at my door.
Marion, may I come in? Katies voice was unusually soft.
No, I muttered, but the door opened a crack and her auburn head slipped through.
Dont be angry, she whispered, sliding onto the edge of the bed. I didnt realise the ring meant so much to you.
I sat up, wiping the colour from my eyes.
It isnt the ring, Katie. Its that you and Mum always make decisions for me, as if my feelings dont matter.
That isnt true. We love you.
Love? I scoffed. Then why does Mum always pick you? Why do you always get the time, the money, the attention, while Im left with the leftovers?
What are you saying? Katie protested. Mum never played favourites!
Is that so? I lifted my hand, the ring glittering. Now you want to take the only thing that truly belongs to me.
I didnt know you were so attached, she said quietly. Mum just told me about the tradition
No tradition exists! I snapped. She made it up to please you, as always.
Eleanor entered, looking troubled.
Girls, please stop fighting. Katie, go set the kettle. I need a word with Marion alone.
Katie nodded and left. Eleanor sat beside me, her eyes downcast.
Marion, Im sorry, she said, taking my hand. I never meant to hurt you.
But you did, I replied, freeing my hand. Always.
Do you truly think I love Katie more? she asked, pain flickering in her gaze.
I dont think itI know it, I said, standing and moving to the window. All my life Ive felt secondary. Always Katie, Katie, Katie And now you want to snatch the one thing that reminds me of a rare moment when I felt loved.
Eleanor fell silent, her head bowed. At last she whispered, Youre right. I did give Katie more of my attention, not because I loved her more, but because you were always so independent, so strong. You grew up fast, while Katie remained the child who needed constant care.
Thats no excuse, I said, shaking my head.
I know, she sighed. But I love you both equally; I just show it differently.
A heavy hush settled over the room. I stared out the window, unwilling to turn back to her. Finally, Eleanor whispered, The ring is yours. I have no right to take it away. Forgive me for the hurt.
Mother, I called, does the ring really bring happiness in love?
She turned, a faint smile playing on her lips. Grandmother believed that. When she gave it to me, I wasnt married yet. She said, Wear it and it will guide you to true love. A month later I met your father.
I glanced at the garnet, which now glowed like a drop of frozen blood in the lamplight.
But you and Father divorced, I noted.
Yes, but that doesnt mean I wasnt happy. We had wonderful years, and I have you two, my beloved daughters. Isnt that happiness enough?
At that moment Katie appeared with a tray bearing three tea cups and a vase of biscuits.
Peace? she asked tentatively, looking between us.
I took a cup, sipped, and replied, Peace.
We settled into the sofa. Katie ranted about the upcoming wedding, the dress shed picked, the flowers she imagined. I listened halfheartedly, twirling the ring on my finger.
What about your ring, Max? I asked abruptly, cutting through her excitement.
None yet, she admitted, eyes downcast. Hes offered, but hes out of work, and my salary as a school administrator isnt enough for a proper band.
So you came for my ring? I said.
Yes, she confessed. Mum told me about Grandmothers ring, and I thought But now I see I was wrong. Its yours, and I shouldnt have claimed it.
Katies eyes filled with tears. In that instant I understood that my jealousy had a root: Katie truly had been Mums favourite, the pampered one who always got her wishes. Yet before me sat not a petulant girl but a young woman genuinely remorseful for the pain shed caused.
Tell you what, I said, sliding the ring off my finger, you can borrow it for the wedding, just for the day. Return it to me afterwards.
Really? Katie beamed. You arent joking?
No joke, I handed it to her. Try it on.
She slipped it onto her finger; it was a touch too large.
Itll need resizing, she noted.
Dont bother, I said, shaking my head. Its only for one day, remember?
Thanks, Marion, she whispered, gratitude blooming. You have no idea how much this means.
Eleanor watched us, tears glistening.
My dear, youre my treasure, she said, embracing me. Im sorry for the years of unfairness.
Dont, Mum, I blushed, pulling away. Lets not make a fuss.
The evening unfolded over tea and chatter about the wedding. I even agreed to help Katie with the arrangements. The tension eased, and a warm atmosphere settled over the house.
When Katie finally rose to leave, she took the ring off and handed it back.
Take it, Im afraid Ill lose it before the wedding, she said.
I slipped it into the little box and tucked it away. As I walked back to the sitting room, Mum cleared the cups from the table.
Thank you, love, Eleanor said, hugging me. Youve shown such forgiveness and generosity today. Im proud of you.
Dont overstate it, Mum, I replied with a grin. I merely lent the ring for a day, not given it away forever.
Still, a noble act, she insisted.
That night sleep eluded me. I thought of the ring, of Grandmothers words, of the promise of happiness in love. In the thirteen years Id owned it, Id never found my true love. Perhaps I should have worn it more often.
The next morning my phone rangit was Katie.
Marion, you wont believe it! she gushed. Max has landed a good job with a decent salary! Hes already signed the contract!
Congratulations, I murmured, still halfasleep. Im glad for you both.
And guess what? she continued, excitement bubbling. When I told Max about the ring you kindly lent me, he said a recruiter called him this morning about the job. Imagine that! Maybe the ring really does bring luck.
I smiled despite myself.
Perhaps, I said. Im happy things are falling into place for you.
Come over this weekend, well celebrate! she urged.
Ill see, I replied evasively. Ive got a lot of work.
After the call I lay there, watching the ceiling, feeling a shift after the previous days argument. It was as if a weight that had settled on my heart for years had finally moved.
Later that evening another call came. It was Mum.
Marion, I was thinking Could you come over this weekend? Ill bake your favourite apple crumble.
I raised an eyebrow; Mum seldom invited me without a reason.
Whats the occasion?
Nothing, she said, a hint of vulnerability in her voice. I just wanted to see my daughter.
No occasion, then, I said after a pause. Alright, Ill come.
The weekend arrived, and as I approached the family home, a flutter of nerves rose. Since moving into my own flat three years ago, my relationship with Mum had grown distant, limited to holidays and occasional calls.
Eleanor met me at the doorway, a small box in her hand.
Come in, love, she said, pulling me into a warm embrace. Im so glad youre here.
The house smelled of fresh apple crumble. I followed her to the kitchen where a table was already set.
Mum, whats this about? I asked directly. Why the special welcome?
Can I not spoil my daughter once in a while? she replied with a smile. Have a seat, the crumbles still warm.
Over tea we talked about my work, Katies forthcoming wedding, and Mums health. When the crumble was finished, Eleanor produced the tiny box shed carried in.
This is for you, she said, handing it over.
What is it? I asked, curiosity mixing with caution.
Open it and youll see.
Inside lay a delicate ring, this time set with a tiny emerald at its centre.
Mum, what does this mean? I asked, bewildered.
It was my grandmothers ring, your greatgrandmothers, Eleanor whispered, a lump forming in her throat. Ive kept it all these years, and now I want to give it to you, so you know I love you just as much as Katie. I simply never knew how to show it.
I stared at the emerald, its green glow catching the light.
Grandmother said emerald was the stone of wisdom, Eleanor continued. Youve always been wise, even as a child. Try it on.
It fit perfectly, as if crafted for my finger.
Thank you, Mum, I said softly. Its beautiful.
She took my hand, eyes bright with unshed tears. I also need to apologise. You were rightI gave Katie more of my attention, and that was unfair. You deserve more.
I embraced her, and the years of resentment suddenly seemed trivial.
Mum, what happened to the ring you gave me, the one I lent to Katie? I asked later, as we sat again at the table.
It isnt really mine, she admitted. I bought it when your father and I married. I invented the story about Grandmother to make you value it.
The story about happiness in love?
Its true, at least for me, she said, smiling. It brought me joy, and now it seems to have helped Katie too. Have you heard about Maxs new job?
I nodded, admiring the new emerald ring on my hand.
Did that ring really belong to Grandmother?
Yes, Eleanor affirmed. She truly believed emerald brought wisdom. I saved it for a special moment, and this is it.
We talked long into the night. For the first time in ages I felt genuinely at home. When I finally left, Mum walked me to the door.
Know this, Marion, Im incredibly proud of you, she said. Youve become a wonderful woman, despite my mistakes.
Please, Mum, dont overdo it, I blushed. All is well now.
Outside the street was dark. I headed for the tube, thinking how oddly the whole affair had turned. The quarrel over Mums ring, which could have driven us further apart, actually brought us together. Sometimes one must voice every grievance to begin anew.
I glanced at the new ring sparkling on my finger. The emerald resembled my mothers steady, deep love, while the garnet seemed suited to Katies fiery spirit.
Perhaps there was some truth in Grandmothers words about happiness in love after all. Today I finally felt my mothers love for me was as strong as for her sister, and that was more than enough.
