The Jingle of Independence | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Jingle of Independence | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Dick
02/22/23
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The memory is still painful. It was a learning experience…as they say, and I was changed forever.

The event occurred during a family vacation. My father’s arthritis drove him to seek hot weather every summer and much-needed peace and quiet. Mother supported his requirement for relaxation, so she scurried about gathering what was necessary to spend a week at a desert resort. She gathered swimsuits, food, and all the essential supplies that five young children needed. Dad’s comfort was important. And so was keeping the peace.

On day five of our vacation, for me, the activities were beginning to become routine, such as swimming, biking, and playing board games. I decided to strike independence and discover something new.

That’s when the gift shop piqued my interest. It was hard to miss with the shiny glass windows and colorful hanging art pieces. When my parents were occupied, I struck out on my own, except I couldn’t ditch my sister.

“Don’t touch anything,” I instructed Sandy as we neared the shop.

Bells hanging on the door jingled loudly as we entered. I hurried in while Sandy tagged along. I stopped to admire the many beautiful items displayed when a woman stationed behind the counter caught my eye. Her eyes narrowed as she scowled over her black-rim glasses.

Quickly, I grabbed Sandy’s hand and scooted down an aisle. With a glance over my shoulder, I continued until I was sure we were out of her sight. As I gazed at the items displayed, my breath caught. There were stemware, fine china, and fragile ceramics. I breathed in deeply when a beehive honeypot complete with a dipper caught my eye.

It’s so lovely. I know I shouldn’t touch it.

My hand edged up toward the shelf, but quickly, I tucked my arm behind my back. As I continued to gaze at the covetous piece, to my horror, the entire ceramic honeypot began to slide…toward me. I froze as I observed, in slow motion, the honeypot fall off the glass shelf and onto the floor… in front of me. The crash was deafening and the once beautiful ceramic piece was now in a million. A movement across the open shelf drew my attention. The wide-open eyes of an elderly lady stared back at me. She turned and shuffled away. The bells jingled and she disappeared.

Loud footsteps sounded behind me, and I stiffened.

“You broke that piece.” The counterwoman spoke sternly.

My heart raced and Sandy clutched my arm.

“You have to pay for this.” Her nostrils flared. “Do you understand, young lady?”

I grabbed Sandy's hand and we flew out the door.

Tears coursed down my cheeks as we ran toward our cabin.

“But you didn’t do it!” My sister tugged on my arm.

“She thinks I did.” I stopped, and while panting asked, “Did I?”

She shrugged and looked down.

A sob escaped me and we turned toward the cabin.

Laughter sounded as we entered. Mom and Dad were on the patio enjoying their “happy hour” which sometimes extended for the entire afternoon.

Rick, my brother, poked me from behind. “Mom and Dad are happy now. They just made up. Don’t blow it.” He scooped his baseball from the floor and ran outside.

I whispered to Sandy, “Don’t tell Mom and Dad.”

Dreams of Dad being arrested for my crime invaded my sleep that night. Both of my parents were taken away in my nightmare and the five of us became orphans with a broken honeypot.

In the morning I fell to my knees. Lord, what should I do? I waited for his voice, but I knew. So I gathered all the vacation money I had left. It was loose change and wasn’t much, but it might keep Dad out of jail…or me.

After I had choked down breakfast, I told Mom I needed a walk. I slowly made my way back to the gift shop.

My heart beat rapidly as the bells jingled, but I scooted in and stood before the counter.

The store woman appeared with her usual scowl. “You’re back.”

With shaky hands, I dumped all of my change onto her counter. She counted out each nickel and penny and then glared at me.

My hands shook as I waited.

“Don’t ever come in here again.”

With a nod, I ran out the jingle bell doors. And as I walked toward the cabin that held my family, I took a deep breath. I will sleep well tonight.

An actual event.

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