The Free Gift

Copyright © 2025 Taylor Meadows, Chatham, Virginia. Posted by permission.

In the summer of 1970, having been honorably discharged from the U. S. Army and engaged in tobacco farming for a couple of years, I was about to be married. One day I went to Chatham to purchase a diamond ring for my future wife.

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Harris ran the Chatham Jewelry store. Mr. and Mrs. Harris were long-time friends of my parents, so I knew Mr. Harris well. When I explained to him what I wanted to purchase, he brought out a big display of diamond rings with the price of each ring beside it.

I looked the rings over as he stood by quietly. Then I announced to him, “Mr. Harris, I believe this is the one I want to purchase.”

He studied my chosen ring, then turned to me, saying, “Taylor, are you sure that is the one you want?”

“Yes, sir, that's the one!”

“Well, Taylor, a free gift comes with that one.”

Surprised, I replied, “It does? What is it?”

Mr. Harris said, with a smile, "A magnifying glass!”


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