No, Mum, Im not giving you that ring! Emilys voice trembled with anger. You were the one who gave it to me on my eighteenth birthday!
Darling, understand, it isnt just a piece of jewellery, Helen clutched the woollen cardigan, her fingers rubbing the seams. It belonged to your grandmother, and now its meant for Poppy.
Poppy? What does my sister have to do with it? Emily snapped, pulling the top drawer of the chest and flinging it open. Why does she suddenly need my ring?
Helen sank heavily onto the edge of the sofa. The argument was turning sour, but she refused to back down.
Poppys wedding is coming up, you know. Max has proposed, and they cant afford a proper ring. I promised Id help.
We? Emily lifted a small velvet box from the drawer, squeezing it tight. Did you even ask me?
Sweetheart, her mothers tone softened into a pleading whisper, its a family heirloom. The ring should pass to the one who marries first. Poppy is starting a family, and you
So Im meant to be the old spinster, then? Emily sneered bitterly. What does it matter that Im thirtysomething and still single? This ring is the only thing you ever gave me from the heart. I remember you saying, Take good care of it, love, it will bring you happiness.
Helen rose and moved toward her daughter, reaching to place a hand on Emilys shoulder, but Emily stepped back.
You always pick Poppy, Emily said quietly, opening the velvet case. The gold band with a modest garnet at its centre caught the waning light through the curtains. She always gets the best: pretty dresses, costly toys, your attention
Thats not true! Helen protested, eyes flashing. I love you both equally!
Oh, really? Emily slipped the ring onto her ring finger. Remember when I started university and Poppy had that school competition? Who did you go to cheer for? Who did you run to at the prom? Who did you comfort after her first breakup?
Helen lowered her gaze. There was a grain of truth in Emilys words, but admitting it felt impossible.
Poppys five years younger, she needed more of my time, Helen murmured.
Of course, Emily nodded. And now she wants my ring.
A sharp knock sounded at the front door. Emily flinched; she wasnt expecting anyone. Helen dabbed at the tears forming at the corners of her eyes and went to answer.
Poppy, love, come in, dear, her voice instantly softened, honeyed and warm.
Emily clenched her fists, yearning to bolt to her bedroom, shut the door, and escape the farce. Yet she remained rooted in the living room, knuckles white.
Hi, sis! Poppy burst in like a whirlwind, a lithe figure with a cascade of fiery hair and freckles dotted across her nose, looking far younger than her twentyfive years. Whats all this? You look like youve just been punched by a lemon!
We were talking about Grandmas ring, Emily replied flatly.
Oh, Mum told you already? Poppy flopped into an armchair, legs crossed. Im thrilled! Max proposed! Were planning to marry at the end of spring. Only problem were short on money for a proper ring, and I want something special.
And you think you can just take mine? Emily stared straight into Poppys eyes.
Its not mine, its Grandmas, Poppy shrugged. Mum said tradition says it goes to the first to marry. You dont mind, do you?
Emily turned to her mother, who hovered nervously, fiddling with the edge of her cardigan.
Im against it, Emily said firmly. That ring was given to me; I wont hand it over.
But, love, Helen interjected, were family. We should look out for each other.
Yeah, Poppy added. Besides, you never use it. Its been gathering dust for years.
A lump rose in Emilys throat. Words stuck, and she could only watch as the door slammed shut behind her, the sound echoing like a final verdict.
She fled to her bedroom, collapsed onto the bed, and buried her face in the pillow. They always decide everything for me, never asking what I think, she thought, feeling like a peripheral piece of a family puzzle.
She recalled the night she first received the ring. Shed turned eighteen, and she and her friends were set to celebrate at a café. Before they left, Mum had called her into the bedroom.
Sweetheart, I have something special for you, Helen had said, sliding a small box across the nightstand. This was my mothers ring, your greatgrandmothers. Its passed from mother to daughter. Its yours now. Your grandma always said it brings happiness and true love.
Emily had barely absorbed the words, but shed been thrilled to finally receive something genuinely valuable from her mother, a gift shed never seen her younger sister get.
A knock came at the door.
Emily, may I come in? Poppys voice was unusually gentle.
No, Emily snapped, but the door creaked open and Poppys red hair peeked inside.
Dont be angry, Poppy slipped in and perched on the edge of the bed. I didnt realize the ring meant so much to you.
Emily wiped her reddened eyes.
Its not just the ring, Poppy. Its that you and Mum always make decisions without me, as if my feelings dont matter.
Poppys brow furrowed.
Thats not true. We love you.
Love? Emily laughed bitterly. Then why does Mum always pick you? Why does she always have time, money, attention for you, while Im left with the scraps?
What are you saying? Poppy protested. Mum never treated us differently!
Really? Emily lifted her hand, the ring glinting. And now you want to take the only thing that truly belongs to me.
I didnt know you were so attached, Poppy whispered. Mum just said it was tradition
There is no tradition! Emily cut in. She made it up to please you, as always.
Helen entered, looking upset.
Girls, please stop fighting. Poppy, go make tea. I need to speak with Emily alone.
Poppy nodded and left. Helen sat beside Emily, taking her hand.
Im sorry, love, she said, voice trembling. I never meant to hurt you.
You did, Emily replied, pulling her hand away. As always.
Do you really think I love Poppy more? Helen asked, eyes wet.
I know I do, Emily said, rising to the window. All my life Ive felt secondary. Always Poppy, Poppy, Poppy And now you want to take the one thing that reminds me of the rare moment I felt loved.
Helen fell silent, head bowed. After a pause she whispered,
Youre right. I did give Poppy more attention, not because I loved her more, but because you were always so independent, so strong. You grew up fast, while Poppy stayed a child who needed constant care.
Thats no excuse, Emily shook her head.
I know, Helen sighed. But I want you to understand: I love you both equally, just in different ways.
A heavy silence settled over the room. Emily stared out the window, refusing to turn toward her mother. Finally, Helen spoke softly,
The ring is yours. I have no right to take it away. Im sorry for the pain I caused.
Emily called out,
Mum, does the ring really bring happiness in love?
Helen turned, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Grandma 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.
Emily glanced at the garnet, which glowed like a drop of frozen blood in the lamplight.
But you and Dad split up, she noted.
Yes, but I was happy for a time, and I have you two, my beloved daughters. Isnt that happiness?
At that moment Poppy entered with a tray of three teacups and a vase of biscuits.
Everything alright? she asked, eyes shifting between mother and sister.
Emily took a cup, sipped, and said,
All right.
They settled onto the sofa. Poppy babbled about her upcoming wedding, the dress shed chosen, the flowers shed pick. Emily listened halfheartedly, twirling the ring on her finger.
What about your rings, Max? she asked suddenly, cutting through Poppys excitement.
None yet, Poppy lowered her gaze. He proposed, but hes unemployed and I cant afford a proper band on my modest admin salary.
So you came for mine, Emily said, voice low.
Yes, Poppy admitted. Mum told me about Grandmas ring, and I thought I was wrong. Its yours, and I shouldnt have asked.
Emily saw tears glint in Poppys eyes. She realised that for years shed envied the attention Poppy received, but now she faced a young woman genuinely remorseful.
You know what, Emily said, sliding the ring off, Ill lend it to you for the wedding. Just for one day. Then you give it back.
Really? Poppys face lit up. Youre not joking?
No joke, Emily handed it over. Try it on.
Poppy slipped the band onto her finger; it was a touch large.
Might need resizing, she noted.
No need, Emily shook her head. Its just for the day, remember?
I remember, Poppy replied, eyes shining. Thank you, sis. You have no idea how much this means.
Helen watched, tears streaming down her cheeks.
My dear Emily, youre my treasure, she embraced her eldest. Im sorry for the years I wasnt fair.
Mum, please, Emily blushed, pulling away. Lets not make a scene.
The evening continued over tea, jokes about the wedding, and plans to help Poppy with the arrangements. The tension eased, warmth spreading through the room.
When Poppy prepared to leave, she took the ring off and handed it back.
Keep it safe, Im afraid Ill lose it before the big day.
Emily slipped it back into its velvet case and tucked it away. Helen cleared the cups, then hugged Emily tightly.
Thank you, love, she said. Youve shown such generosity today. Im proud of you.
Dont overstate it, Mum, Emily smirked. I just lent it for a day, not handed it over forever.
Still, its a noble deed, her mother insisted.
That night Emily lay awake, the ring, her grandmothers words, and the promise of love swirling in her mind. Thirteen years shed owned the band and still hadnt met her true love. Perhaps shed been too reluctant to wear it.
The next morning her phone rang. It was Poppy.
Sis, you wont believe it! she burst out. Max just landed a great job with a solid salary! Hes signed the contract!
Congratulations, Emily murmured, halfasleep. Im happy for you.
And the strangest part? Poppy continued, excitement bubbling. Yesterday I told Max about the ring, about how you lent it for the wedding, and he got the call this morning. Isnt that a sign? Maybe the ring really does bring luck!
Emily smiled despite herself.
Maybe, she replied. Im glad things are working out for you.
Come over this weekend, lets celebrate! Poppy urged.
Ill see, Emily said cautiously. I have a lot of work.
After the call Emily lingered in bed, staring at the ceiling. Something had shifted since the argument; the weight that had settled on her heart for years felt lighter.
That evening another call came.
Emily, love, I was thinking Helen began without preamble, maybe you could spend the weekend with us? Ill bake your favourite apple crumble.
Emily raised an eyebrow. Her mother rarely invited her without a reason.
Whats up? she asked.
Nothing, just wanted to see my daughter, Helen replied, a hint of hurt in her voice. Is that odd?
No, not odd, Emily paused, then said, alright, Ill come.
The weekend arrived, and as Emily pulled up to her parents house, a flutter of nerves rose. Shed moved into her own flat three years ago, and their relationship had become more formal, meeting only on holidays and occasional calls.
Helen met her at the door, a small box in her hand.
Come in, love, she embraced Emily. Ive missed you.
The house smelled of fresh apple crumble. Emily followed Helen to the kitchen table, where a steaming pie waited.
Mum, whats going on? Emily asked, sitting down. Why the warm welcome?
Cant a mother spoil her daughter a little? Helen laughed. Sit, the crumbles still hot.
They sipped tea, chatting about Emilys job, Poppys impending wedding, and family health. When the crumble was gone, Helen placed the small velvet box before Emily.
This is for you, she said, handing it over.
Emily opened it cautiously. Inside lay a delicate ring with a tiny emerald set at its centre.
Mum, what does this mean? she asked, bewildered.
It was my grandmothers ring, your greatgreatgrandmothers, Helen swallowed, 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 Poppy. I just never knew how to show it.
Emily stared at the emerald, its green hue reminding her of wisdom.
Grandma said emerald is the stone of wisdom, Helen continued. And youve always been wise, even as a child. Try it on?
Emily slipped the ring onto her finger; it fit perfectly, as if crafted for her.
Thank you, Mum, she whispered, tears welling. Its beautiful.
Theres more, Helen said, taking Emilys hand. I owe you an apology. You were right; I gave Poppy more attention, and that was unfair. You deserve more.
Emily embraced her mother, the years of resentment melting away.
Mum, what happened to the ring you gave me, the one I lent to Poppy? she asked later, as they returned to the table.
That one isnt mine, Helen admitted. I bought it myself when your father and I married. I invented the story about Grandma to make you value it.
And the tale of bringing happiness in love?
Thats true, Helen smiled. At least its brought me happiness, and now it seems to have helped Poppy too. Did you hear about Maxs new job?
Emily nodded, admiring the new emerald ring on her hand.
Did the ring really belong to greatgrandma?
Yes, Helen confirmed. She really believed emerald brought wisdom. I kept it for a special moment, and now its yours.
They talked late into the night. For the first time in years, Emily felt truly at home. When she left, Helen walked her to the door.
You make me proud, Emily, she said. Youve grown into a wonderful person, despite my mistakes.
Stop, Mum, Emily blushed. Its all fine now.
Outside, the street was dark. Emily headed for the underground, reflecting on how a quarrel over a ring, which could have driven them apart, had actually drawn them together. Sometimes you have to voice all the hurt to start anew.
She glanced at the new emerald ring glittering on her finger. The emerald shone calm and deep, like a steady river, while the garnet in the old band still glimmered bright, more suited to Poppys fiery spirit.
Perhaps there was truth in her grandmothers words after all. Love, in its many forms, had finally found its way back to her.
