The yellow pendant studded with stones was really pretty. When we worked in the theater, we were always chasing such stylish accessories. And now it was hanging on a gold chain and adorned the neck of a mature woman. She was 40 years old. She was a spectacular lady, well-groomed and intelligent.
I looked at her and thought she was some kind of official. But the stones were not noble, which gave her away. I stared at her for a long time, and then I dared to ask:
– Is that a topaz?
– No, it was some kind of glass,” she said with embarrassment.
– But the necklace is gold.
– Yes, it is. I’m going to my mother’s, so I put it on. She gave it to me.
After that I showed her my beaded bracelet, which I have worn for several years. My son made it. My husband says I am embarrassed, and I feel warm at heart when it is on my hand.
– But I have a different situation. My mother bought it for 30 000, she wanted to please me. The scammers deceived the blind old lady, said it was a diamond. I don’t want to upset her,” the woman lowered her eyes.
I knew from common acquaintances that this woman had made herself. She came from a family with many children, and her father liked to drink. Her mother had no money to educate her children and put them on their feet. By the way, many officials came from just such families. They knew very well what poverty and heartache were. And she knew what it was like to live starving, to endure drunkenness, and not feel the warmth of her parents. So she walked on her head, not sparing her opponents. She was not spared, and she was not spared.
– But you have connections, why not punish them? – I asked.
– What would I tell my mother? If she finds out that the pendant is cheap, she will be upset. Her heart would break. She’s denied herself everything for us all her life. She still does, even though we’re all grown up. She knows I have a good salary, but she still wants to give me a penny. Do you have a mother? – asked the official.
– No.
– Then you don’t understand me. Old moms are very different.
I really did not understand her, because I thought that it was necessary to investigate this fraud. No? Why didn’t you? But, you know, over the years I’ve come to realize the whole point. I realized how the old lady had been saving that money. How she dreamed of pleasing her daughter… How happy she was when she finally bought a gift… Gifts like that bring more pleasure than jewelry.
That mother raised a good daughter. Grateful. She could have refused the glass and told her it was inappropriate. Thereby hurting the old woman by making her look like a fool.
Apparently, she always wore it when she was going to see her mother, because she knew how important it was to her relative. It must have been a feat, considering her style of dress and status in society. Many noticed that the glass was fake, and drew the wrong conclusions, as I did.
If you suddenly get a gift from your parents that isn’t what you expect, don’t offend them. Accept even the most inappropriate gift with gratitude.
