Ronald was in big trouble. He’d done it again, forgotten their anniversary – for the second year running. On top of which, he was going to be late home. She would give him absolute Hell.Oh yes, he was in for it!
He gnawed at his fingernail as he sat on the train heading homeward. No wonder she’d been cool to him as he rushed out of the house this morning, with barely enough time to give her a quick peck on the cheek as he grabbed his bag and sprinted for the train. She’d muttered something about her mother coming to visit. He started to sweat as he realised the covert threat in those muttered words. What she’d meant was ‘Forget our anniversary again and I’m inviting my mother to stay’. And she made his life a misery, always looking for the tiniest slip-up to pick on him.
There was only one thing for it, he’d have to get off at the next station, find a shopping centre and buy her something. Maybe a box of chocolates? Yes, that would do it, she liked chocolates.
Where was he now? Oh yes, Bondi Junction was coming up, plenty of shops there.
He hopped off as the train as it pulled in to the station, and hurried on to the escalator leading up to the street and the shopping centre. He was looking in the window of the Darrell Lea store when his mobile rang.
‘Oh hi, honey. Yes, I know I’m running late, but I had to work back.’
(pause)
‘No, of course I haven’t been at the pub.’
‘What? You rang an hour and a half ago and I’d already left?’ He searched frantically for an excuse. ‘Well, that’s because the boss asked me to drop some papers off for him on the way to the station, and I had to cool my heels for ages while I waited for the reply. It made me miss my train.’
‘No, honey, of course I haven’t forgotten what today is, how could I forget when I’m married to a wonderful girl like you?’
‘Last year? Well, yes, I know, and it was unforgivable of me. But I’m going to make it up to you tonight.’
‘Out to dinner? Of course, if you like, though I’d really prefer a quiet romantic night home, just the two of us. You know?’
‘Yes, yes of course I’ve bought you a present.’
He moved quickly away from the Darren Lea window. ‘No, it’s not just chocolates.’
‘All right, I’ll see you soon. Bye, honey.’
Wiping his brow, he looked at his watch. He’d better hurry, he didn’t want to miss the next train or he’d really be in deep shit. He scanned the line of shops, looking for inspiration, and the lights in the window of a jeweller’s shop drew him like a magnet, triggering a memory. What had she said last night? Something about ear rings – diamond ear rings. Yes, the next door neighbour had given his wife diamond earrings for her birthday. Obviously a hint.
Well, if that was what it was going to take, okay.
Ten minutes later he pocketed his Visa card and sprinted for the train. He managed to swing aboard as the whistle sounded, clutching his parcel firmly. It looked very small for $700.
As he jumped from the train at his station, a man rushing to board it bumped him violently.
‘Sorry mate,’ he muttered, ‘running late.’
The parcel slipped from Ronald’s fingers, and a glimpse of his mother-in law’s face flashed before his eyes as the packet fell into the gap between the train and the platform. It landed neatly on the shining rail below as the train jerked into motion, and the giant wheel moved slowly over his precious package. It was left as flat as his hopes of marital bliss.
As you described him, I thought you were writing about this, easy to forget, Ronald. But then I realize you are writing about someone else because I wouldn't spend that much on an anniversary, the tightwad I am. ;-)
Yes, the story has a kind of twist at the end that makes you feel sorry for the poor guy who can't catch a break even when he thinks he has succeeded by buying her what she wants.
Just a Glimpse
