Fallout (Crank 3)

And now

She lifts the lid from the cardboard

box, removes the smaller, velvet-

flocked box, slowly, too slowly,

opens it. Oh Hunter, it’s beautiful.

And now

She pulls the ring from its holder,

starts to put it on her right finger.

“No,” I say, taking it gently and

moving it to her left ring finger.

And now

I explain, “It’s a promise ring.

It belongs on this finger. Maybe

someday we’ll exchange it for

an engagement ring.” Wow.

And now

She moves into my arms. Kisses

a long thank-you. I love it, she says.

And I love you. And, despite my

cell going off again, she proves it.

WHEN SHE GOES TO SHOWER

I check my voice mail. No Leah,

thank God. But there are two

from Mom. Your Grandpa Bill

is flying up from L.A. He gets in

at eleven. Can you pick him up?

Call me back to let me know.

I look at the clock. Ten fifteen.

I let Mom know it’s not a problem.

Then I call Kristina to give her an