We were in traffic when I saw a guy hawking pieces of money box. I loved the design so I started ranting about how I had one when I was young but couldn’t save a pessewa. He bought the money box for me and told me I was old enough to try saving again. I was indifferent. I didn’t know if I actually needed it.

Days later when he came to visit, he put the coins in his pocket into the hole of the box. It was like the seeded money that gingered me to start putting money into the box. Sometimes I placed a dime into it and sometimes I placed higher denominations. Anytime he came around, he put in something. When he forgot, I reminded him. I told him I would break it this Xmas so I could use it to buy Xmas stuff.

Unfortunately, our relationship couldn’t last until December. We had issues that escalated quickly. I was suspicious of him when it came to a lady in his office. I could have handled it better, maybe get evidence before making a move. I handled it poorly and it led to our breakup.

He said it was over and I agreed. He insulted me but I didn’t say anything back. I wanted to give him that respect. A month without talking to each other, this guy came to my place one afternoon and said, “Break the box, I need to take whatever I put into it.”

It turned into an exchange of words. When I realized he wasn’t going to understand me, I asked how much he placed in it. He said, “If you break it, I can identify every coin and bill I put into it.”

He broke the money box and took almost all the money. He poured the rest on the ground, all coins, and said, “The money box is also mine. I’ve taken it.”

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He carried the money box and everything in it away. I looked at the coins on the floor, miserable, lonely and naked. Way less than what I actually put in the box. I shook my head and knelt to pick them up. I wanted to cry but I finally settled on laughter because tell me why laughter isn’t a better option. A man like this, even my enemies should not come into contact with them. He took my Xmas away even before November but it’s alright.

—Grace

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