“This is for you,” he hands her a blue and white crocheted and stuffed elephant, “my, uh, grandma made it.” She smiles, because she is happy to receive such a thoughtful gift from her boyfriend. They know that elephants are “their thing” as in one little symbol of their first fissure sparks that began their relationship that is today. He was really good at fooling her that day, too.

Several months pass by, they have a long distance relationship, she hasn’t seen him in a long time. She is excited and packing to go visit him and his mother for two whole weeks! She is nervous to spend time with his mother. He says it’ll be alright. He calls her a few nights before, letting her know that he is so ready to spend this two weeks with her. The day finally comes for her to make the three hour trip. She has three bags: a suitcase, a sleeping bag and a purse. Secretly, she hides the elephant in her suitcase. She wasn’t sure if she should’ve brought it, but she did. The ride down is nice, but she is still nervous…

…After spending the two weeks with her wonderful boyfriend, its time to leave. The in between, I the teller will leave out, it includes: some kissing, a fight, and lot of cuddling in front of the TV. But overall, her two weeks went well. As she brings her stuff out from her private suite to the car, his mother notices The Elephant. To the girlfriend’s surprise, Mother asks if she knew where he got that from. She begins to say, “It was his grandmothers….” as her voice trails off, she begins to realize he lied to her from the moment Mother started laughing. She is quickly ushered outside with her boyfriend who explains.

An embarrassed and confused girlfriend starts to protest, “where did it come from then?” He says never mind, trying to stifle his own snickers. Although it didn’t seem like a big deal to the him, it was no laughing matter to her. “Where?” she demands, “Tell me.” He says fine, “It was my ex-girlfriend’s grandmother that made it for me.” She stops, she is frozen. He explains, “Its my college’s colors, and she gave it to me when I was a freshman, so don’t worry about it, I love you,” he reassures her. The confused and little bit flustered look on her face makes him pull her into a bear hug (because that’s the only kind of hugs he gives.) And she sighs.

Oh, the elephant.