A Gold Ring

Tom stands by a dusty glass box in a curio shop run by Gus. In that box sits a stunning gold ring, lit by a warm oil lamp. For six months Tom works in a noisy iron foundry, saving coin by coin. His goal is plain: buy this ring for Clara, his loyal companion.

Gus walks from a back room. Gus is an old man with scars on his hands and soot on his coat.

"You back, boy?" Gus asks, tapping his thick cigar.

"I am," Tom says, grinning big.

"Did you bring all fifty coins, or do you still murmur foolish myths?" Gus asks.

Tom pulls a burlap pouch from his coat and drops it upon a flat oak bar. Coins clink loud as Gus draws that pouch forward. Gus counts slowly until his total hits fifty.

"It is full and right," Gus murmurs.

Gus unlocks that glass box using a small tool. Gus lifts that shining gold ring from its silk cushion. Tom holds out his hand, his spirit floating high.

"This ring is yours now," Gus says, passing it across.

Tom grips that ring. Cold alloy sits firmly against his skin. A crimson ruby on top mirrors a lamp with a bright flash. All his hard toil paid off.

"Thank you, sir," Tom says with humility.

"Do not drop it in a ditch," Gus warns him. "A girl such as Clara would not fancy dirt on a gift."

Tom laughs, putting that shiny band into his coat. Past that doorway, autumn wind blows down a stony path. Tom runs through town, past rows of shops and carts. Clara waits by a courtyard fountain, looking for him. Tom stops, panting with joy.

"Clara," Tom calls, holding out his gift. "Look what I got for you!"

Clara gasps with joy as that ruby sparks in daylight. His hunt is through, his goal is won.

Word count: 318