He was in a hurry. Desperately so. Today was the most important day of his life. He was going to propose to the love of his life. In his right pocket was a small box covered in deep red satin, holding a ring with a real, though modest, diamond. “Diamonds for a diamond,” he thought to himself.
In his left jacket pocket was another gifta brand-new iPhone, the latest model. Pricey, but worth it. He walked briskly, lips moving nervously as he rehearsed his lines. Would she smile? Would she say yes? His mind buzzed with anticipation, so much so that he nearly collided with a little old woman standing by the curb of a small green tucked between the apartment blocks where his beloved lived.
“Goodness! Pardon me,” he said, steadying himself.
“Not to worry, young man,” the old woman replied, her wrinkled face softening as she looked up at him with surprisingly lively eyes. “Might you help me across this patch? My legs arent what they used to be.”
He offered his arm, and she took it with a chuckle. “Such a gentleman,” she murmured.
Once across, she settled onto a bench with a sigh. “Your girl is lucky,” she said, her eyes twinkling.
“How did you?”
“Oh, it’s obvious,” she laughed. “You’re glowing, muttering to yourself, bouncing about like a spring lamb. Though my own memory isn’t what it wasI went out for groceries but left my purse at home. Twice in one day is too much for these old bones. Looks like I’ll go without dinner.”
He glanced at the building, only fifty metres away, then sighed. “Tell me what you need. Ill fetch it for you.”
“Oh, I couldnt ask you to spend your money”
“Todays a special day. Whats the list?”
“Just a pint of milk, a loaf of bread, and some pasta, dear.”
“Thats all?”
She nodded, and again, he was struck by the youthfulness in her gaze.
He dashed into the nearby shop, grabbing far more than requestedfour heavy bags he could barely carry back.
“Good heavens!” she exclaimed. “This is far too much!”
“Let me walk you home,” he insisted.
“Oh no,” she said sharply. “A friend will collect me shortly. But do sit a moment. I owe you a kindness in return.”
Reluctantly, he sat.
“Show me the ring,” she said.
He pulled out the box, and she examined it carefully before handing it back. “Lovely. And expensive. But tell mewheres the cake?”
His eyes widened. “Blimey, I forgot!”
“Now listen,” she whispered, pulling him close.
His eyebrows shot up. “Youre sure?”
“Absolutely.”
The next thing he knew, he was standing at his girlfriends door, a large cake box in hand. He had no memory of buying it or how hed arrived.
She answered in a flattering summer dress, twirling playfully before gasping at the cake. “How did you know my favourite?”
She brewed tea, and as she untied the red ribbon, her face fell. Inside was a tiny kitten.
“What is this?!” she shrieked. “You know I hate filthy animals! Are you mocking me?!” Her face twisted into something uglyfor a second, she looked like a hag.
He tried to laugh it off, but she only screamed louder. “A proposal? With this nonsense? You cant even afford a proper gift! I deserve better!” She shoved him out, slamming the door.
Holding the mewling kitten, he numbly descended the stairs. The old woman had stolen his ring. He was humiliated.
At the bench where hed met her, an elderly gentleman in a black suit now sat, leaning on a cane. The mans eyesstartlingly youngstudied him.
“Youre looking for the old woman?” the man asked.
“She stole my ring.”
“Did she?” The man took the box, flipped it open, and handed it back. The ring was there, stuck to the lid. “Look closer next time.”
“Butwhat now? She threw me out!”
The old man chuckled. “You got your answer, didnt you? Did she love you?”
The young man hesitated. “…I dont think so.”
“Then consider it a lucky escape.” The man retied the phone box with a red ribbon. “Take the kitten home. Someone else will appreciate the gifts.”
As he walked away, he spotted his neighbour, a red-haired girl with freckles, crouched on the pavement, crying over a shattered phone.
“Need help?”
She looked up, sniffling. “I cant afford a new one.”
He smiled. “Funny you should say that…”
Later, over tea and cake (the very one hed somehow bought), their heads bumped as they leaned over the new phone. They laughed, blushedand married a year later.
The kitten grew into a smug, fluffy menace.
As for the old woman and the gentleman? He never saw them again. But the cat on his bed was proof enough.
Dont tell me fairy tales dont happen. You just have to pay attention.
And thenwell, youll see for yourself.
