Kneeling as to not crease her dress, Hayley scooped up the pink egg.

It was the furthest egg from the house without entering the neighbor’s property, but she was happy for the journey. It had been a day full of screaming kids, obligations, and adults politely asking questions they didn’t care to hear the answer to. It was an exhausting Easter, but it was standard.

So, when her grandmother had suggested she go specifically for an egg in the tree at the far end of the yard, Hayley had jumped at the chance. She had left the swirl of younger cousins in her dust without a second glance.

She shook the egg, surprised with the consistency. Something was clattering around inside.

Hayley opened it up, revealing a shining gold ring.

Stunned, she looked to her Grandmother on the porch, who responded with no more than a wink before beckoning her to continue the egg hunt.

Tears in her eyes, Hayley did just that.