That ring could pay for all of it.
"Grandma?" Ellie looked up at me. "Do you think somebody’s crying because they lost it?"
In her palm sat a gold ring.
My face went hot.
"Let’s find out, sweetheart."
We started toward customer service.
Maybe you’re a fool. Nobody ever hands you anything.
Because it isn’t yours. That was my mother’s voice. We don’t take what isn’t ours.
Was I really going to start stealing at seventy, with my granddaughter holding my hand?
That ring could pay for all of it.
Then a woman burst through the front doors.
Mid-forties. Mascara down her cheeks. One shoe untied. She glanced over her shoulder like someone was chasing her.
"Please! Has anyone turned in a diamond ring? I was here twenty minutes ago!"
Ellie ran straight to her.
"Ma’am, is this yours?"
Maybe you’re a fool.
