But it was beautiful.
Joel pushed it toward me.
“I made it for your jewelry.”
I lifted the lid.
Inside was a small handwritten note.
**“Mom, when I grow up, I’ll buy you a real jewelry box.”**
My eyes immediately filled with tears.
Joel looked alarmed.
“Mom! You’re not supposed to cry. It’s a happy present!”
I laughed through my tears.
“It is a happy present, sweetheart.”
“But it’s only cardboard.”
I pulled him close.
“I wouldn’t trade this for a box made of gold.”
He grinned.
“Good. Because I’m eleven and completely broke.”
I burst into laughter.
Then I hugged him tightly.
“Where should we put it?” he asked.
“On my dresser.”
“Really?”
“Right in the middle.”
He looked uncertain.
“Even though it’s crooked?”
I kissed his forehead.
“Especially because it’s crooked.”
Joel smiled proudly and carried the little box upstairs.
