Colin asked his niece what she wanted for her wedding. She said she wanted his presence, not a present.
He added up the hotel, the train and a new suit. Then he visited an appliance shop.
That evening, he phoned his niece with a question about her kitchen….
Colin’s niece, Amy, was getting married at a country hotel.
He phoned to ask what she and her partner wanted as a gift.
Nothing, Uncle Colin. Just your presence.
That’s lovely, he said.
Amy explained that they already had plates, glasses and a kettle. They would simply be happy to see everyone.
Colin put down the phone and booked a train.
Then he checked the hotel price.
He checked it again without breakfast. It was still the same hotel, and almost the same price.
His wife, Mary, said his good suit no longer fitted.
It fitted at the last wedding.
That was eleven years ago.
He suggested leaving the jacket open. Mary suggested checking whether the trousers would close.
On Saturday, they went suit shopping. Colin found one he liked until he read the label.
Does the wedding come with a discount? he asked.
The assistant said he could have a free garment bag.
Colin said it was generous to provide somewhere to keep the receipt hidden.
At home, he added up the train, the room and the suit. Then Mary reminded him about shoes.
He asked whether Amy had mentioned anything missing from her kitchen.
She said they had everything.
Nearly everything, Colin said. Everybody says that before they see a larger fridge.
He went to the appliance shop. A saleswoman showed him a tall fridge with two doors. Colin asked about delivery to Amy’s address.
The saleswoman said they could even take away the old one.
Colin looked pleased.
That evening, he called his niece.
How much room have you got in the kitchen?
Amy said he mustn’t buy them anything. His presence was enough.
Colin looked at the hotel booking, the train tickets and the suit receipt.
Would a fridge cover my absence?
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