Love Conquers All
When I was ten or eleven I read a short story in a magazine, having nothing better to do. I cannot remember the title of this story nor the author’s name. I did not enjoy the story at the time, but it stayed with me to this day. Being young and never been in need of anything, I did not understand poverty at the time.Today I want to share this story with you. It plays off one day before Christmas in post war London while the scars of war were still very visible everywhere. These were hard times; it describes the lives of a young married couple who were living in a single room; let’s call them Tom and Nancy. It may just have been their names it the story.
Tom had been laid off from his work recently and the couple were living off their meagre saving and whatever they could earn doing any little odd jobs. They were in consensus that there could be no gifts that year. On this day Tom left early to see if he could find something to earn a bit of money. After he left Nancy went on the same crusade.
By late afternoon Tom realised that it would be a fruitless day. He went to a pawnbroker close to where he lived and eyed the polished tortoise shell hair clips he wanted to buy for his wife. She had long black hair reaching to below her waste. After a moment of thinking he took out the only item he possessed that was of any value; a silver pocket watch that he inherited from his late father.
The pawnbroker offered him five pounds. Tom knew it was worth much more, but given the little time left, he accepted. He went on to purchase the hair clips as a gift to his wife.
He went on home and was horrified to see that his wife had cut her hair off very short.
“Why did you do that?” he gasped while handing her the hair clips.
“Oh, it is beautiful!” she exclaimed, “Don’t worry, my hair will grow again. I sold my hair to buy this for you,” she said as she produced a 15 inch silver watch chain.
It is a sad story of two useless gifts, but only years afterwards I realised what a beautiful story it really was. A story about two people loving each other so much that they would voluntary sacrifice the only things they had of value for the sake of the other.
Comments (22)
Satire and irony
I dont know if I should laugh or cry
Hmm, he probably sold her the chain too!
@ Capricorn
Yes, but it took many years before I saw it.
@ Nonsmoker
This is very condensed. I wish I could lay my hands on the original!
i hope you are well today ?
Wonderful romantic story !
one that highlights one of the true qualities of "real " love , in that , you always try to put the other first
selfless acts of kindness like the one in your story , show pure and precious love shared by two
A lovely story ... thanks for sharing it with us
Yes, it is touching, I wish I could tell the story as well as the original author.
@ Serenity
I think it was Shakespeare who said Love is never having to say I'm sorry.
@ Bogart
Hmm, nothing as bliss as recipricated love. So seldom found in real life.
@ Everybody out there; shouted from my rooftop
Somebody peeped at me again while I showered!
If you should by chance remember the title and/or the author be sure to let me know please!
Are you a walking encyclopedia? Please cancel the previous request.
Second time you get the info I want! I'm indebted.
I might add that it was a translated version. Afrikaans; my mother's tongue.
I said it is like an illusion. For such a clever girl!!
To a fox hunter,
It is necessary to be let in the wood.
And to the fowler bird.
Will entice from heavens.
And to the fisher fish
To extend from water.
Three crafts on a choice,
Strongly it seize.
But female acts,
It is more difficult to understand everything.