Author: usmgrad
Subject: HBX challenge May 2007 - Special Gift

HBX Challenge May 2007 - Special Gift
Author – usmgrad
Disclaimer – well since I haven’t used any named characters except Tommy and he’s mine I don’t have anything to disclaim.
Rating - G
Setting – a few years down the road, “location doesn’t change who we are”


AN – I never understood the term –“this one wrote itself” until now. I had this written within a day of the lines posted. I have never been able to do that. In fact I wrote two totally different takes using the lines. I will post the other later this month.

AN2-I want to again thank Cece for the challenges, it has encouraged me “learn” a new craft. Hopefully I have been successful.


The sales clerk looked up when the bell rang as the door opened; entering the shop was a tall naval officer and tightly holding his hand a little boy. Both looked intend on purchasing something special today. Ready to assist in a possible sale there was a moment of familiarity, “Well Captain, I was afraid I'd chased you away.”

“No, I was short on time yesterday, besides I needed a second opinion before I made my purchase” indicating the young boy holding his hand.

“I'm really glad you came, who is this with you?” she asked while looking down at the youngster.

“My name is Tommy.” He said very proudly.

“Well nice to meet you Tommy”, she shook his offered hand and then looking back up at the officer, “would you like to look at it again sir?”

“That’s what we came for.” He followed the sales clerk to a display case on the far side of the store. “Tommy, over here, look at this.” Calling to his young companion, who had stopped at another case and was staring at something inside.

“This is it.” The young boy whispered and pointed, his eyes not moving from the object.

“Tommy, this is what I picked out yesterday, come look, I think she’ll really like it.”

Speaking a little louder, with determination to make his point he looked up, “No Daddy, this one, it has to be special like this.”

“OK. Let’s see what you’ve got.” moving to the case where his son was standing.

The sales clerk quickly realizing this sale would involve a conference between father and son made her excuses to leave them alone “I’m needed over here for a minute, I’ll leave you two alone to decide.”

“Thanks”

Returning to the pair after a few moments, it appeared they were in agreement and were ready to complete the transaction. “Well, which did you decide on?”

“It wasn't an easy decision. But we decided on this one” pointing to the item in the display case. He shook his head, he never could say no to those big brown eyes, not his wife’s or their son’s.


Days later, early in the morning, after breakfast in bed, Tommy gave her his gift. He didn’t get the reaction he expected. Turning to his dad almost upset, Tommy whispered, “She’s crying.”

“I know. But it was right, I promise you.” Truth be told, dad was a little teary eyed also.

Wanting her to know how special the gift was suppose to be Tommy explained, “I picked it out myself, but I didn’t want you to cry. If you don’t like it we can get something else.”

Looking at her young son, she tried to tell him it’s OK, “These are happy tears, Tommy. I love it. It’s perfect.” That’s all she could say, there was too much emotion to say any more. It was enough for Tommy; he had picked the right gift.

She would wear it every day, rarely taking it off. When she touched it memories would come flooding back. She could also see into the future, happy times and trying times. But she wouldn’t have changed it for the world. There would be other gifts, some hand made and others purchased – some practical, some not. But only one would remind her of how special he was, and who she had become because of him. It was the gift Tommy picked out all by himself, a simple gold chain with a heart charm that said it all – MOM.


Happy Mothers Day