𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙴𝙽𝙳 || Original Story

thirty-six | gift

I was so pleased to see that the sun was shining on my birthday. It had rained all week and even though the damp lingered, it was bright and would be for the rest of the weekend.

I opened my birthday cards, which I had accumulated over the past few days from my lovely neighbours and loved ones, before sitting down and eating breakfast. It wasn't a momentous birthday for it was only my twenty-ninth, but I suppose some would argue that it was since I'd be thirty next year and this year would be my last of 'true youth'.

In the natural way, I wasn't working today so I had the whole day to myself before my celebratory meal this evening. My parents, Bryony, Jack, and Douglas would all be there and I was delighted to be having them all together in one place. Every year, they all spoiled me and whilst they made me the centre of attention (to my great embarrassment) I always made sure to repay the favour when their own birthdays came around.

At eleven o'clock, I brewed myself some tea and grabbed my copy of Pride and Prejudice before sitting down in the patch of sun that was projected onto the sofa. However, I'd barely started reading when I heard the doorbell ring.

I was surprised to see Edgar standing on the step, wearing an emerald-green jumper (that suited him very well) underneath his coat and a warm smile. He had his satchel over his shoulder and his hands tucked in his pockets to keep them out of the cold.

"Happy B-Birthday, Kate," he said cheerfully.

I smiled in return. "How did you know?"

"Jack t-told me."

"Unbelievable... Would you like to come in?"

"Would I b-be interrupting?"

"Of course not," I replied, stepping aside. "I've just brewed some tea, actually. Do you want some?"

He nodded, mumbling a 'yes, please' before entering the house, taking off his boots and coat, and heading to sit down in the living room. Whilst he did so, I made him a cup of tea and shortly rejoined him, placing the mug on the coffee table before sitting myself down beside him.

"I h-hope you don't mind," Edgar then began. "B-But I've got you a gift."

I smiled. "That's very sweet of you, but you didn't have to get me anything."

"Of c-course I d-did. I c-couldn't not g-get you anything, especially s-since you took me out f-for my b-birthday."

He then reached into his bag and pulled out an envelope and a small, faded red velvet box before handing it to me with a thoughtful expression. He seemed somewhat excited, as if anticipating my reaction.

I opened it up to see a stunning rose gold ring shaped like swirling vine with tiny diamonds in the leaves. I'd never seen anything quite like it before; it was so unique and I absolutely adored it.

"Oh, Edgar," I exclaimed breathlessly. "It's gorgeous. Thank you!"

"Read th-the letter," he prompted. "It's important."

Curiously, I opened the envelope and pulled out the folded sheet of good quality paper, admiring Edgar's graceful handwriting before reading:

Kate,

The ring belonged to my dear grandmother, who gave it to me before her passing. She only wore it a few times, but loved it as though she never took it off. Upon her gifting it to me she said that I must take good care of it until the right person came along and to this day I'm not certain if she was referring to said person in a romantic or platonic fashion. Perhaps that was my decision to make. But one thing I am certain about is that you are that 'right' person.