Labor Day

She calls it superstition, and I cannot deny it. Still, I have gathered the materials - ivory, wood, steel, jewels – and our labors begin together. I work swiftly and carefully; for I would neither offer shoddy work nor, and I know 'tis folly, prolong her pain. Heated, pounded, annealed, etched, inlaid, jewels affixed. We are done as close together as makes no mind, and we proffer the gifts alike.

My son's head and chin are covered with tight reddish curls. His tiny hands grip the haft and bring the cool axe head to his gnawing gums.

"Gimli. It suits him."

(100 words)