All in a Good Cause

ALL IN A GOOD CAUSE
As soon as June finished her coffee Sarah dropped a dusty shoebox on the garden table.
“Here, this is for your charity shop. They are going to accept donations now, aren’t they?”
June nodded. It was good to see her friend again after lockdown. They were only allowed to
meet outdoors, in Sarah’s garden, but at least they were able to share some time together,
have a drink and a face-to-face chat. Meeting via computer on Zoom was simply not the
same.
“Go on, have a look,” Sarah encouraged her friend. June could not believe it. Reluctantly she
rummaged through the box. Soon she had several necklaces dangling from her fingers,
colourful beads sparkling in the afternoon sun. “I’ve had a sort-out. About time I got rid of all
this stuff I don’t wear anymore. Too many bad memories. Let’s see if you can make a bit of
money for good causes,” Sarah said but June shook her head. “Are you sure you want us to
have all of this? You could sell most of this on the internet. Some of these pieces must be
worth something, I mean, seriously, there are precious stones and hallmarks…,” “Yes,
positive. I’ve got to make a new start!”
June felt sorry for Sarah. She had lost her husband to cancer before the pandemic. All through
lockdown she had been living on her own, in an old house that was far too large for her.
The strain of the last few months was beginning to show. Sarah looked thin, gaunt and tired.
Not being able to visit a hairdresser did not help either. Her grey mane was growing out of
control, and she was constantly trying to push wild strands out of her face while they were
talking.
Despite Sarah’s reassurances June still felt uneasy about accepting the jewellery. Like a thief
she looked around the neighbourhood to see if anyone was watching her carrying the treasure
to her car.

The next time the friends met was in a café in town. Lockdown measures had been eased
considerably. Businesses were re-opening and life was taking on some kind of new
normality. June could not wait to see Sarah again.
She was the first one to arrive at the café. “Wow!” she exclaimed immediately as her friend
entered the eatery. Although she was wearing her face covering it was obvious that Sarah was
blooming. She had gone all out for a make-over: Nice trendy clothes, the naughty locks
tamed, her eyes made up beautifully and a big, relaxed smile.
“Great to see you. You look fab, Flower,” June complimented. She wished she could hug
Sarah but social distancing rules were still in force. “Lovely to see you, too. Yes, I feel so
much better and I can’t wait to tell you why,” Sarah said as she sat down opposite her friend.
They did not talk until the young waitress had taken their order but once she disappeared in
the kitchen Sarah let the cat out of the bag. “I’ve finally decided to sell the house! Yes, I am
moving – and there’s more,” she was so excited that she needed to pause before she could
continue, “I have fallen in love. Just like that. Connor is my estate agent and we hit it off.
Love at first sight or viewing as the case may be! We are so happy.”
June was genuinely pleased for her friend but she could not get a word in until the lunch was
served. “Anyway, that’s my news and how about you? Did you sell any of my jewellery?”
Sarah asked. June hesitated. “Yes, my colleague sold a couple of your chains but a few days
ago this chap came in. It was just before closing time. I had sent Lottie home early so she
could catch the earlier bus. This guy headed straight for the counter and pointed at your ring.
You know, the one with the pearl. I felt quite intimidated. This man was wearing a mask, of
course, but I could tell that he was terribly handsome. Gorgeous blue eyes, dark hair and
well-manicured hands. He wore a very nice suit and he smelt good, if you know what I mean.

He said that the price we put on that ring was by far too low. That’s when it all kicked off. He
wanted to have a closer look and started fussing. Would this ring fit his wife, partner, girl-
friend – whoever he was buying it for. Then he got me to try it on, huffing and puffing, said
he would have it altered if it didn’t fit, and finally he gave me twice as much as we asked for
it!”
Suddenly there was an awkward silence. Sarah looked down on her plate before reaching out
for the small bottle of hand sanitizer that the café kept on each table.
June took a deep breath. She watched her friend carefully as she let the clear liquid cover her
fingers. Her customer need not have worried – the ring still fitted perfectly.