My Girl

"Perhaps this one, sir?" asked the salesman pointing to the card — a massive affair of cuddly teddy bears and roses. I looked at it and smiled. It was the most beautiful card I had ever seen.

"I'll take it", I said. Somewhere in my mind a fatherly warning resonated: "Don't spend foolishly on a girl".

I had spent a small fortune but she was definitely worth it. And aren't college students like me allowed occasional indulgences?

I had a good hour and a half to personally gift-wrap her present and receive her at the station. She was coming all the way from my hometown because I had pleaded with her to be with me on this special day.

I had known her since I was a child. We shared every little thing and knew each other through and through. Yes, we had had a few squabbles and days when we wouldn't speak to each other but hey, what's a good relationship without a fight or two?

Though I was often charmed by other pretty faces I always came back to my one and only love. And she always welcomed me back with a smile that was equal parts unalloyed love and undisguised amusement at my fleeting infatuations.

The beeps from my alarm clock reminded me that it was time to go. On my way I bought a rose — a resplendent crimson one — and set off, walking on air.

When I reached the station I saw the train pulling in. I started walking towards her compartment straining my eyes for her first glimpse. And there she was!

The most beautiful being on earth. And she was mine! I rushed to her with a yell and the next second had enveloped her in a bear hug.

She kissed me lovingly on each cheek and then let out a delighted exclamation when I presented her with the rose and the gift bag.

My special gift took her breath away. It was a copy of Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul which she had been searching for since last month.

"This is the loveliest surprise ever", she said and gave me a warm hug. I picked up her luggage and walked out of the railway station with her, she whom I had loved every second of my life. My mother.