Lucy and James were getting married. The wedding was in full swing when the master of ceremonies announced it was time for gifts. First, the brides parents offered their congratulations, then came Jamess mother, Margaret Thompson, carrying a large box wrapped in pale blue ribbon.
What do you think it is? Lucy whispered excitedly to James.
No idea. Mums been very secretive about it, he replied, just as puzzled.
They decided to wait until the next day to open the presents, once the wedding chaos had settled. Lucy suggested starting with his mothers gift. They untied the ribbon, lifted the lidand froze in shock.
For a long time, Lucy had noticed something odd about James. He never took anything without asking, not even the smallest thing.
May I have the last chocolate? hed ask hesitantly, eyeing the lone truffle in the box.
Of course! Lucy would reply, baffled. You didnt even need to ask.
Just how I was raised, hed say with an awkward smile as he unwrapped it.
It wasnt until months later that Lucy understood why.
One day, James took her to meet his parentsMargaret and William Thompson. At first, his mother seemed pleasant, but that illusion shattered at dinner.
Each guest was served a plate with two spoonfuls of mashed potatoes and a tiny meatball. James finished quickly and quietly asked for seconds.
Always stuffing your face like theres no tomorrow! Youre never satisfied! Margaret snapped, shocking Lucy with her harshness.
When William asked for more, Margaret cheerfully piled his plate high. Lucy ate in silence, disturbed by the blatant favouritism.
Later, during wedding planning, Margarets true colours showed. Everything was too expensivethe rings, the venue, the menu.
Why all this extravagance? A simple wedding would do! she grumbled openly.
Eventually, Lucy lost patience.
Were handling this ourselves! she retorted. Its our money and our choice!
Offended, Margaret fell silent and even threatened to boycott the wedding.
Two days before the ceremony, William surprised the couple with a visit.
Son, help me with the gift, he said, leading James to the car.
Hed gone rogue and bought them a washing machinejust to defy his wifes complaints. He confessed theyd argued fiercely because Margaret thought any wedding gift for her own son was too costly.
On the big day, Margaret did show upwearing an elegant dress and arriving by taxi. She behaved politely, handed over the large box, then vanished into the crowd.
The next morning, Lucy and James eagerly opened it. Their excitement turned to dismay.
Towels? Lucy muttered, pulling out the first one.
And socks, James sighed, holding up two pairs of fluffy wool socks. Dad was right Mum just grabbed whatever was lying around. Hard to believe shes become so stingy. No gift wouldve been better.
But it didnt end there. Days later, Margaret calledto interrogate them about other guests gifts.
Well? What did Lucys parents give you? And Uncle Henry? Her friends? she pressed.
James refused to indulge her.
Mum, thats none of your business. Lucy and I are happy with what we received.
Then he hung upfor the first time without feeling guilty.
Life teaches us this: The value of a gift doesnt reflect the givers heart. But respect and love shine through in small kindnesses. Sadly, Margaret had none left to give.
