28 October 2025
Dear Diary,
I never imagined a simple piece of jewellery could become the centre of such a storm. This afternoon, MomEleanorclutched my mother’s ring with a desperation that made my own voice tremble.
No, Mum, Im not giving you that ring! I snapped, remembering how she had handed it to me on my eighteenth birthday. You gave it to me yourself!
Shes not just a ring, love, Eleanor fidgeted with the folds of her woollen cardigan, her fingers tracing the seams as if they might smooth out the tension. It belonged to your grandmother, and now its meant for Katie.
Katie? What does my little sister have to do with it? I pulled open the top drawer of the old wooden chest and slammed it shut. Why does she suddenly need my ring?
Eleanor sank heavily onto the edge of the settee. The conversation was turning sour, but she wasnt about to back down.
Katies wedding is fast approaching, she said, voice low. Max has proposed, but theyre short of money for a proper band. I promised wed help.
We? I scooped out a tiny velvet box and squeezed it until my palm ached. Did you even ask me?
Sweetheart, Moms tone softened, pleading. Its a family heirloom. The ring is supposed to pass to the woman who first walks down the aisle. Katie is starting a family, and you
So Im the old maid, then? I laughed bitterly. What does it matter that Im over thirty and still single? This is the only thing you ever gave me that felt truly from the heart. I remember you saying, Take care of it, darling, it will bring you happiness.
Eleanor rose, tried to lay a hand on my shoulder, but I stepped back.
Youve always chosen Katie, I whispered, opening the little box. The gold band, set with a modest garnet, caught the evening light that filtered through the curtains. She always got the bestpretty dresses, pricey toys, your undivided attention
Not true! Mom protested, cheeks flushing. I love you both equally.
Is that so? I slipped the ring onto my ring finger. Remember when I started university and Katie was busy with that school competition? Who did you go to cheer on? Who did you rush to the graduation ceremony with? Who did you comfort after her first heartbreak?
Eleanor lowered her eyes. There was a grain of truth in my words, but she could not admit it.
Katies five years younger, she needed more of you, I said gently. Now she wants my ring.
The front doorbell rang, startling meI wasnt expecting anyone. Eleanor dabbed away a fresh tear and went to answer.
Katie, dear, come in, she cooed, her voice suddenly sugary.
I clenched my fists, yearning to bolt to my room and shut the door on this farce. Still, I stayed planted in the living room.
Hey, sis! Katie burst in like a whirlwind, her copper hair a halo of curls, freckles dotting her nose. She looked barely twentyfive. Whats that sour look? Did you just eat a lemon?
We were talking about Grandmas ring, I replied, deadpan.
Oh, Mum told you already? Katie flopped into an armchair, crossing her legs. Im thrilled! Max proposed! Were planning to marry at the end of spring. Only problemrings. Money is tight, and we want something special.
So you think you can just take mine? I stared straight into her eyes.
Its not mine, its Grandmas, she shrugged. Mum said the tradition is that it goes to the first sister who gets married. You dont mind, do you?
I glanced at Mom, who stood off to the side, twisting the hem of her cardigan.
I do mind, I said firmly. That ring was given to me, and I will not hand it over.
But, love, Mom interjected, were family. We should look out for each other.
Katie nodded eagerly. Besides, its gathering dust in that box anyway.
A lump rose in my throat. I wanted to speak, but the words stuck. Instead, I slipped out of the room, slamming the door behind me.
In my bedroom I collapsed onto the bed, face planted into the pillow. They always decide for me, never asking what I think, I thought. Its as if Im just an accessory, not a real member of the family.
I remembered the day I first got the ring. Id turned eighteen, and my friends and I were heading to the local tea room for a celebration. Before we left, Mum called me into her bedroom.
Sweetheart, I have something special for you, she said, pulling out a small velvet box. This was my mothers, your grandmas. Its passed from mother to daughter. Now its yours. She used to say it brings happiness and helps you find true love.
Back then I didnt read much into it; I was just happy to finally own something truly valuable. Everything elsepretty dresses, fancy toysalways seemed to go to Katie, the younger, favoured daughter.
A knock sounded at my door.
Marianne, may I come in? Katies voice was unusually soft.
No, I muttered, but the door opened just enough for her auburn head to slip inside.
Dont be angry, she whispered, sitting on the edge of the bed. I didnt know the ring meant so much to you.
I wiped my reddened eyes. Its not just the ring, Katie. Its that you and Mum always make decisions for me without ever asking how I feel. Its like my feelings dont count.
She frowned. That isnt true. We love you.
Love? I laughed bitterly. Then why does Mum always pick you? Why does she have time, money and attention for you, while I get the leftovers?
What are you saying? Katie snapped. Mum never favored one over the other!
Is that so? I held up my hand, the ring glinting. Now you want the only thing that truly matters to me.
I didnt know you were so attached, she said quietly. Mum just mentioned the tradition
Theres no tradition! I cut in. She invented it to please you, as usual.
Eleanor entered, looking upset.
Girls, please stop fighting, she pleaded. Katie, go make a pot of tea. I need to speak with Marianne alone.
Katie nodded and left. Eleanor sat beside me, her hands trembling.
Marianne, Im sorry, she said, gripping my wrist. I never meant to hurt you.
You did, I whispered, pulling my hand away. As always.
Do you really think I love Katie more? she asked, eyes glistening.
I dont thinkI know, I said, standing and moving to the window. All my life Ive felt like the second choice. Katie, Katie, Katie And now you want to take away the only thing that reminds me of the rare moments when I felt loved.
She fell silent, head bowed. After a pause she whispered, Youre right. I did give Katie more of my attention, but not because I love her more. You were always independent, strong, grew up fast. Katie needed constant nurturing.
Thats not an excuse, I shook my head.
I know, Eleanor sighed. I love you both equally; I just show it differently.
The room grew heavy with unspoken words. I stared out the window, unwilling to meet my mothers gaze. Finally, she said softly, The ring is yours. I have no right to take it away. Forgive me for upsetting you.
Mum, I called, does this ring really bring love happiness?
She managed a faint smile. Grandma believed so. When she gave it to me, I wasnt married yet. She said, Wear it and it will help you find true love. I met your father a month later.
I glanced at the garnet, now glowing like a drop of frozen blood in the lamplight.
But you and Dad split up, I noted.
Yes, but I was happy for a while. We had wonderful years, and I have you twomy beloved daughters. Isnt that happiness? she replied.
At that moment Katie appeared with a tray of three tea cups and a tin of biscuits.
Peace? she asked tentatively, eyes flicking between us.
I took a cup, sipped, and nodded. Peace.
We settled on the sofa. Katie talked excitedly about her upcoming wedding the dress shed found, the flowers shed chosenwhile I twirled the ring on my finger, halflistening.
What about your ring, Max? I asked abruptly, breaking her enthusiastic stream.
None yet, she admitted, looking down. He proposed, but hes currently unemployed, and my salary as a school admin isnt enough for a proper band.
So you came for mine? I said, the accusation clear.
Yes, she confessed. Mum mentioned Grandmas ring, and I thought But now I see I was wrong. Its yours, and I shouldnt have claimed it.
I looked at her, tears welling. All those years Id resented her for being Mums favourite seemed suddenly less about jealousy and more about feeling excluded. Yet here she sat, not a spoiled brat but a young woman genuinely upset that shed hurt me.
You know what, I said, sliding the ring off my finger, Ill lend it to you for the weddingjust for one day. Then you give it back.
Really? Katies face brightened. Youre not joking?
No joke, I handed it over. Try it on.
She slipped it on; it was a touch large.
Well need to have it resized, she remarked.
No need, I shook my head. Just remember its for a day.
She beamed. Thank you, sis. This means the world to me.
Eleanor watched us, tears glistening. Marianne, youre my treasure, she whispered, hugging me tight. Im sorry for being unfair all these years.
Dont, I protested lightly. Lets not make a fuss.
Evening drifted into a warm teatime, and I even offered to help Katie plan the reception. The tension eased, replaced by a gentle glow.
When Katie was about to leave, she removed the ring and handed it back. Ill keep it safe until the wedding day, okay?
I slipped it into its velvet box and tucked it away. As she walked out, Mom cleared the cups from the table.
Thank you, love, Eleanor said, embracing me again. Youve shown such forgiveness and generosity. Im proud of you.
I only borrowed it for a day, I teased.
Its a noble act, she insisted.
That night I lay awake, thinking of the ring, Grandmas words about happiness, and how in thirteen years of owning it Id never found that true love. Perhaps I should have worn it more often.
The next morning my phone rang. It was Katie, voice bubbling with excitement.
Marianne, you wont believe itMax got a great job with a decent salary! He just signed the contract!
Congratulations, I murmured, still halfasleep. Im happy for you both.
And guess what? she continued. When I told Max about the ring you graciously lent me, he said the same morning he got the call about the job. Could the ring really be lucky?
Maybe, I smiled. Im glad things are falling into place for you.
She invited me over for the weekend to celebrate. Ill be busy, though, I replied, work keeps me tied up.
After hanging up, I stared at the ceiling, feeling a weight lift from my chest. The argument the day before had shifted something inside me, as if a stone that had sat on my heart for years finally moved.
Later that evening another call cameMoms voice, hopeful.
Marianne, would you like to come over this weekend? Ill bake your favourite apple crumble.
I raised an eyebrow. She rarely invited me without a reason.
Whats the occasion?
Nothing special, she said, a hint of mischief in her tone. Just thought Id see my daughter.
Alright, I said after a pause. Ill come.
The weekend arrived. Driving to my parents semidetached house in a quiet suburb of Manchester, I felt a flutter of nerves. Since moving into my flat three years ago, contact with Mom had become occasional, limited to holidays and occasional calls.
Eleanor met me at the door, clutching a small, familiar velvet box.
Come in, love, she said, pulling me into a warm hug. Ive missed you.
The house smelled of fresh apple crumble. I followed her to the kitchen where a tidy table was set.
Whats going on? I asked, eyeing the plate.
Cant a mother spoil her daughter a little? she laughed. Sit, the crumbles still warm.
Over tea we talked about my job, Katies upcoming wedding, and Mums health. When the crumble was gone, Eleanor reached into her coat pocket and produced the little box shed carried for years.
This is for you, she said, handing it over.
What is it? I asked, curiosity bubbling.
Open it and youll see.
Inside lay a delicate gold ring set with a tiny emerald at its centre.
Mother, what does this mean? I whispered, eyes wide.
It was my grandmothers, your greatgrandmothers, Eleanor said, voice thick. I kept it all these years, and now I want you to have itso you know I love you just as much as Katie. Ive never been good at showing it.
I stared at the emerald, its green depth like a calm lake. Grandma used to say emerald brings wisdom, Eleanor added. Youve always been the wise one, even as a child. Try it on?
I slipped it onto my finger; it fit perfectly, as if it had been waiting for me.
Thank you, Mum, I said softly. Its beautiful.
She took my hand. I also want to apologise. You were rightI gave Katie more attention, and that was unfair. You deserve more.
I embraced her, and suddenly the years of resentment seemed trivial.
Mum, what happened to the ring you gave me, the one I lent to Katie? I asked.
It isnt really mine, she admitted. I bought it when your father and I were newly married. I invented the story about Grandma because I wanted you to value it.
And the story about love happiness?
Its true, at least for me, she smiled. It brought me happiness. And now, with Maxs new job, it seems to have helped Katie too.
We talked long into the night. For the first time in years I felt genuinely at home. When I finally left, Eleanor walked me to the door.
Youre my pride, Marianne, she said, eyes shining. Youve grown into a wonderful person, despite my mistakes.
Im not that special, I laughed, a little embarrassed. Just borrowed the ring for a day, not forever.
She insisted it was a noble gesture. The night air was cool as I made my way to the tube, reflecting on how a feud over a ring had unexpectedly drawn us closer. Sometimes, laying all grievances bare is the only way to start anew.
I glanced at the emerald ring glinting on my finger. Its calm green reminded me of the steady, reassuring presence my mother finally showed. The garnet of my sisters ring still sparkles with youthful passion, but perhaps both stones have their own purpose.
Maybe Grandmothers words about bringing happiness in love hold some truth after all. Tonight, I finally feel the warmth of my mothers love for me, just as strongly as for Katie. And that, dear diary, feels like more than enough.
