Father time theft

Tears of joy glistened in Murray Tomas’ eyes as the middle-aged man unwrapped the gold Swiss-made watch and held it up for all to see at the Father’s Day party. His three grown children, his wife and his three adult stepchildren all applauded and cheered their appreciation for Dad.

- —Laird Long

Murray had known he'd be getting the wristwatch as a Father’s Day present from his family. He'd told his eldest biological son, Major, exactly what make, model and strap he wanted. Murray had a collection of wrist and pocket watches, and this new one would be the prized jewel in the ticking crown.

“I'll wear it when we go out to dinner at the restaurant!” he exclaimed, placing the large, display case-mounted watch on the table in the enclosed dining room of the home he shared with his wife.

“Thank you everybody! I love it!”

“Time to eat,” Major proclaimed aloud.

“Just have to change my shirt,” Murray said, pointing to the cake and wine stains on his golf shirt.

More good-natured laughter followed. Plates clinked, wine glasses sloshed, someone sneezed. Family chaos was in full, familiar bloom.