The fair had arrived in town. Merry-go-rounds with brightly coloured canopies, the smell of popcorn, roasted nuts and candy floss, and music from an old-fashioned barrel-organ. There were crowds of adults and children everywhere, and all their eyes were sparkling so much it looked like the whole experience had lit fireworks inside them.
Ellie and Annie couldn’t possibly miss it. Their parents took them that afternoon. It was fabulous! The girls had no idea where to begin. At the dodgems? One of the stalls selling candy floss and nougat? On the merry-go-round with horses and swans? Or could dad win them something by shooting a rose? They were so excited about getting to their favourite rides that they completely overlooked a rather inconspicuous stall where a very, very old lady was laying out rings in neat rows. Unlike the other stalls, hers had no neon lights, and she wasn’t shouting anything either, just silently observing the hustle and bustle, as if she was waiting for someone.
As the sun began to sink towards the horizon, Ellie and Annie realized that they could hardly stand up any more, they were so exhausted by all the wonderful attractions. Slowly, they made their way towards the exit, heading for home. But they hadn’t quite left the fair when Annie suddenly stopped.
“Come and have a look, my duck,” the old lady addressed her. “Would you like one of my rings?” She smiled and stroked her collection with a wrinkled hand.
“Mom, dad, can Ellie and I choose one?” Annie begged. The two girls didn’t seem to be able to take their eyes off the glittering stones on the rings to keep going.
“It wouldn’t be much of a trip to the fair if we left without…
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