The Earring

Flash Fiction

The Earring

I’d run out of the house so quickly that I forgot my coat. Half way to the store I realized I didn’t have it, as the cold of the car became bigger than the heat of trying to get to the store and back before Tom got home.

Not wanting to stick out like a jerk in the store, I grabbed a jacket Tom had left in the car, and I wore it in. It was a bit large for me, but soft and warm and it kept me from people wondering why I didn’t have a coat on, on such a cold day. I don’t like to be the center of attention.

It was my birthday, and Tom would be home from work soon. I know he remembered my birthday; he sang Happy Birthday when we got up. I wanted to get a small cake for after supper.

As I walked in, I reached into my pocket to get money, forgetting it was actually Tom’s pocket. My wallet had been on the seat. But there was something in Tom’s pocket. It was an earring. It was a beautiful earring, but not my earring… Could Tom be cheating on me?

I got my shopping done quickly, but I was somewhat blank. All I could think of was that earring. Should I pretend I never saw it? Should I scream at Tom? It was my birthday! I finally decided to pretend this never happened, well, at least until tomorrow.

I got home just before Tom did. But when he came in, he was very upset too. “I’ve lost your birthday present! I can’t find it anywhere! I’m so sorry Honey… Happy half of a birthday present! I’ll keep looking for the other half!” and he handed me one lovely earring.