“I think the kids are going to love this,” Jack told Maggie. “I played it a lot when I was a kid. It was so much fun. Teaches you hand-eye coordination, probably. And I was really good at it.”

“What’s it called?” Maggie asked.

“Ring Toss. We should try it out.”

They took the game to the back gardens, and Jack set it up. “It’s very straightforward, but it takes some practice. Let me show you how it’s done.”

Jack’s first toss, the red ring, ended up rolling under a rose bush. His yellow ring collared Shadow. The green ring almost circled the center post.

“This last one’s sure to be a ringer. I just have to put a little more spin on it.” He flung the blue ring high.

“I guess I didn’t allow for the wind,” Jack said. “Don’t worry. I’ll climb the tree and get it down.”

“I see what you mean about it taking some practice,” Maggie said.

“Here, you have a go,” Jack said, handing the rings to Maggie.

Two tosses, green and yellow, two ringers.

“Nothing like beginner’s luck,” Jack said. “How ‘bout we make it a little more challenging?”

“Sure,” Maggie said.

“Okay, now let’s see how you...”

Jack’s hand over Maggie’s eyes didn’t keep the red ring from the center post.

Jack snorted. “Okay, Miss Smartie-Pants.” He grabbed Maggie’s arm. “Try now.”

Maggie flicked her wrist. The blue ring soared. Landed. Dead center, smack atop the green, yellow, and red rings.

“That was fun,” Maggie said. “Want to try the adult version of the game?”

“So now what?” Jack asked. “You going to ring me?”

“I am,” Maggie said.

-Alternate ending-