No, Mum, Im not handing you that ring! Marions voice quivered with indignation. You gave it to me on my eighteenth birthday!
Darling, understand, it isnt just a piece of jewellery, Eleanor Smith fidgeted with the woollen cardigans cuffs. It belonged to your grandmother, and now its meant for Katie.
Katie? What does my sister have to do with it? Marion swung open the top drawer of the chest of drawers. Why does she suddenly need my ring?
Eleanor sighed and sank onto the edge of the sofa. The conversation was taking a sour turn, but she wasnt about to back down.
Katies getting married soon, you know. Max has proposed, and theyre short on money for a wedding band. I promised wed help.
We? Marion pulled a tiny velvet box from the drawer and squeezed it tight. Did you even ask me?
Marion, her mothers voice softened to a pleading note, its a family heirloom. The ring should go to the one whos about to wed. Katie is starting a family, and you
And Im the old maid now, arent I? Marion snorted bitterly. What does being over thirty and still single have to do with anything? This ring is the only thing you ever gave me that truly mattered, from the bottom of your heart. I remember you saying, Take good care of it, love, it will bring you happiness.
Eleanor rose and stepped toward her daughter, trying to place a hand on Marions shoulder, but Marion recoiled.
You always favour Katie, Marion whispered, opening the box. The gold band with a small garnet centre caught the fading evening light that filtered through the curtains. She always gets the best: the pretty dresses, the costly toys, your attention
Thats not true! Eleanor protested. I love you both equally!
Oh, really? Marion slipped the ring onto her ring finger. Remember when I started university and Katie had that school competition? Who did you cheer for? Whom did you rush to the graduation? Whom did you console after her first breakup?
Eleanor lowered her gaze. There was a grain of truth in Marions words, but she didnt want to admit it.
Katies five years younger, she needed more of you.
Of course, Marion nodded. And now she wants my ring.
A knock echoed through the hallway. Marion flinchedshe wasnt expecting anyone. Eleanor dabbed away a fresh tear and went to answer.
Katie, love, come in, dear, her mothers tone melted into honeyed warmth.
Marion clenched her teeth. She wanted to bolt to her room, slam the door, and escape this farce, but she stayed rooted in the living room, fists clenched.
Hi, sis! Katie burst into the room like a whirlwind, a lithe figure with a tumble of ginger hair and freckles dotting her nose, looking younger than her twentyfive years. Whats all this serious faces? You look like youve just swallowed a lemon!
We were talking about Grandmas ring, Marion replied dryly.
Oh, Mum told you already? Katie flopped into an armchair, crossing her legs. Im thrilled! Max proposed! Were planning to tie the knot at the end of spring. Only problem: rings. Were a bit short on cash, and Id love something special.
And you think you can just take my ring? Marion stared straight into Katies eyes.
Its not mine, its Grandmas, Katie shrugged. Mum said tradition says it goes to the first one who gets married. You dont mind, do you?
Marion glanced at her mother, who was fidgeting with the cardigans edge.
Im against it, Marion said firmly. That ring was given to me, and I wont give it away.
But, Marion, Eleanor interjected, were family! We should help each other.
Yes, Katie added. Besides, youve had it gathering dust for ages.
A lump rose in Marions throat. She wanted to speak, but the words stuck. Instead she slipped out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
In her bedroom she collapsed onto the bed, forehead buried in the pillow. They always decide everything for me, she thought, as if Im not even a proper part of the family.
She recalled the day she got the ring. Shed turned eighteen and was out for a birthday coffee with friends. Before they left, Mum called her into the bedroom.
Sweetheart, I have something special for you, Eleanor had said, pulling out a velvet box. This was my mothers, your greatgrandmothers. Its passed from mother to daughter. Now its yours. She always said it brings happiness and leads you to true love.
Marion hadnt given it much thought then; she was just pleased that Mum had finally given her something truly valuable. Everything else seemed to go to Katie, the younger, favoured one.
A knock sounded again.
Marion, can I come in? Katies voice was unusually gentle.
No, Marion grumbled, yet the door creaked open and Katies ginger head slipped inside.
Dont be angry, Katie slithered onto the edge of the bed. I didnt realise the ring meant that much to you.
Marion sat up, wiping the colour from her eyes.
Its not just the ring, Katie. Its that you and Mum always make decisions for me without asking. It feels like my feelings dont count.
Katie frowned.
Thats not true. We love you.
Love? Marion smiled wryly. Then why does Mum always pick you? Why does she always have time, money, attention for you, while I get the leftovers from the banquet table?
What are you saying? Katie snapped. Mum never treats us differently!
Really? Marion lifted her hand showing the ring. And now you want to snatch the only thing that truly matters to me.
I didnt know you were so attached, Katie whispered. Mum just said its tradition
Theres no tradition! Marion cut in. She made it up to please you, as usual.
Eleanor entered, looking upset.
Girls, please, no more fighting. Katie, could you put the kettle on? I need to speak with Marion alone.
Katie nodded and left. Eleanor sat beside Marion.
Marion, Im sorry, she took her daughters hand. I never meant to hurt you.
But you did, Marion said, withdrawing her hand. As always.
Do you really think I love Katie more? Eleanors eyes flashed with pain.
I dont think, I know, Marion stood and walked to the window. Ive felt like the second choice my whole life. Always Katie, Katie, Katie And now you want to take away the one thing that reminds me of the rare moment I felt like a loved daughter.
Eleanor lowered her head, silent. At last she whispered:
Youre right. I did give Katie more attention, but not because I loved her more. You were always independent, strong, growing up fast. Katie needed constant caretaking.
Thats no excuse, Marion shook her head.
I know, Eleanor sighed. I love you both equally; I just show it differently.
A heavy silence fell. Marion stared out the window, unwilling to turn back.
The ring is yours. I have no right to take it. Im sorry for upsetting you, Eleanor said softly.
Mum, Marion called, does the ring really bring lovehappiness?
Eleanor smiled weakly.
Grandma believed that. When she gave it to me, I wasnt married yet. She said, Wear it, and itll help you find true love. A month later I met your father.
Marion glanced at the garnet, which glimmered like a drop of frozen blood.
But you and Dad split up, she noted.
Yes, but I was happy for a while. We had wonderful years, and I have you and Katie. Isnt that happiness?
At that moment Katie appeared with a tray of three teacups and a tin of biscuits.
Peace? she asked, eyes flicking between mother and sister.
Marion took a cup, sipped, and nodded.
They all settled in the sitting room. Katie chatted excitedly about the wedding dress shed spotted, the flowers, the venue. Marion listened halfheartedly, the ring turning on her finger.
What about the rings for you and Max? she asked, cutting through the chatter.
None yet, Katie admitted, eyes dropping. He proposed, but hes between jobs, and my admin salary cant cover a pricey band.
So you came for mine, Marion said.
Yes, Katie confessed. Mum told me about Grandmas ring and I thought I was wrong. Its yours, and I shouldnt have asked.
Tears welled in Katies eyes. Marion realised all those years of jealousy werent baseless; Katie really had been the pampered one. Yet now sat before her a young woman, genuinely remorseful.
You know what, Marion removed the ring, Ill lend it to you for the wedding. Just for one day. Then you give it back.
Really? Katies face lit up. Youre not joking?
No joke, Marion handed it over. Try it on.
Katie slipped the ring on; it was a tad loose.
Ill have to get it resized, she noted.
No need, Marion chuckled. Its only for a day, remember?
I remember, Katie beamed. Thank you, sis. You have no idea how much this means.
Eleanor watched, tears glistening.
Marion, youre my treasure, she embraced her elder daughter. Im sorry for the years of unfairness.
Mum, dont, Marion blushed. Lets not make a fuss.
Evening stretched on with tea and wedding talk. Marion even volunteered to help plan the ceremony. The tension melted, the atmosphere warming.
When Katie was about to leave, she took the ring off and handed it back.
Keep it, Im scared Ill lose it before the big day. Good?
Marion nodded, slipping the ring into its velvet box. As she watched Katie go, Eleanor cleared the cups from the table.
Thank you, love, she hugged Marion again. Youve shown such forgiveness and generosity. Im proud of you.
Dont get carried away, Mum, Marion smirked. I just lent the ring for a day, not given it away forever.
Still a noble act, her mother insisted.
That night Marion lay awake, thinking of the ring, of Grandmas words, of the promised happiness. Thirteen years shed owned it and never found true love. Maybe shed worn it more often?
The next morning her phone rang. It was Katie.
Sis, you wont believe it! she babbled excitedly. Max landed a great job, decent salary! Hes already signed the contract!
Congratulations, Marion murmured, halfasleep. Im happy for you.
And guess what? Katie continued. Yesterday I told Max about the ring and how you graciously lent it to me. He said he got a call this morning about the job. Isnt that a coincidence? Maybe the ring really does bring luck!
Marion smiled.
Maybe, she replied. Im glad things are working out for you.
Come over this weekend, well celebrate! Katie urged.
Ill see, Marion said evasively. Ive got a lot on at work.
After the call Marion lingered in bed, staring at the ceiling. Something had shifted after the earlier argument, as if the heavy stone on her heart had finally moved.
That evening another call came. It was her mum.
Marion, I was thinking Eleanor began without preamble. Maybe you could come over this weekend? Ill bake your favourite apple crumble.
Marion raised an eyebrow. Mum rarely invited her over just because.
Whats the reason? she asked.
No reason, Eleanor replied, a hint of hurt in her tone. I just want to see my daughter. Is that odd?
Not at all, Marion paused, then said, alright, Ill come.
The weekend arrived. As Marion pulled up to the family home in the suburbs of Kent, she felt a flutter of nerves. Since moving into her own flat three years ago, her relationship with Mum had grown chillyonly holiday visits and occasional chats.
Eleanor met her at the door, a small box in hand.
Come in, love, she said, hugging Marion. Im so glad youre here.
The house smelled of fresh apple crumble. Marion followed to the kitchen where a table was set.
Mum, whats this all about? she asked directly. Why the warm welcome?
Cant a mother spoil her daughter a little? Eleanor laughed. Have a seat, the crumbles still hot.
Over tea they talked about Marions job, Katies upcoming wedding, and health. When the crumble was gone, Eleanor produced the little velvet box shed shown earlier.
This is for you, she said, handing it over.
What is it? Marion asked cautiously.
Open it and find out.
Inside lay a delicate ring with a tiny emerald centre.
Mum, what does this mean? Marion asked, bewildered.
Its my greatgrandmothers ring, Eleanor said, her throat tightening. I kept it all these years, and now I want to give it to you. I love you just as much as Katie. I just wasnt always good at showing it.
Marion stared at the emerald, its green depth like a calm pond. She felt a pang in her chest.
Grandma said emerald is the stone of wisdom, Eleanor continued. And youve always been wise, even as a child. Want to try it on?
Marion slipped the ring on; it fit perfectly, as if it had been waiting for her.
Thank you, Mum, she whispered. Its beautiful.
One more thing, Eleanor said, taking Marions hand. I apologise. You were right; I gave Katie more attention, and that was unfair. You deserve more.
Marion hugged her mother, and the years of bottled resentment seemed suddenly trivial.
Mum, what happened to the ring you gave me, which I lent to Katie? she asked later.
It isnt really mine, Eleanor admitted. I bought it when your father and I married. I invented the grandmother story so youd cherish it.
And the happinessinlove tale?
Thats true, she smiled. At least it brought me happiness. And now it looks like its doing the same for Katie. Heard about Maxs new job?
Marion nodded, admiring the new ring on her finger.
Did the ring really belong to greatgrandmother?
Yes, Eleanor confirmed. She did say emerald brings wisdom. I saved it for a special moment, and now its the right time.
They talked late into the night. Marion felt, for the first time in years, truly at home. When she left, her mother walked her to the door.
You know, Marion, Im proud of you, Eleanor said. Youve become an amazing woman despite my mistakes.
Stop it, Mum, Marion blushed. Everythings fine.
Outside, the street was dark. Marion headed for the tube, reflecting on how absurd it all was. A quarrel over a ring that could have driven a wedge instead stitched them back together. Sometimes you have to voice all the grievances to get a fresh start.
She looked at the new ring glittering on her hand. The emerald was calm and steady, just like the love she now felt from her mother. The garnet, bold and fiery, seemed fitting for Katie.
Perhaps there was something to Grandmas words after all. At least today Marion sensed her mothers love for her was as strong as it was for her sister and that was more than enough.
