Chapter 65

Henry sat reclined at his desk, his feet up with the papers, a cluttered desk for a cluttered mind. He remained lost in thought, tossing the ring that Pat had gave to him in the air and catching it again in his hand. It was gold, ornately decorated, an ever present reminder of the promise his life once seemed to hold. Up it went, a flash of light, ascending only to return to his palm again with a similar flashing of brightness.

He wondered why Pat had given him the ring. He wondered if it was that important to Pat for him to be in possession of the ring.

He watched the ring fly up, falling again into his hand, and he sighed as he thought of his possible chances of making his feelings known to Pat.

He paused as he heard footsteps approaching, and he caught the ring in his palm.

“Henry, are you around?” the question came from the hall around the corner. “I had like to talk to you about something.”

He took the ring, returning it hastily to his vest pocket.