«…The words dragged Maria back to the present. She followed Kat’s gaze down to her engagement ring.

She tried to twist the gems out of sight. The ring was gaudy, ridiculous. She’d have preferred something quirkier. And cheaper. These shows of wealth embarrassed Maria. She wanted Jacob's affection and companionship, his time. What she got instead was stuff. He was hoarding the things she needed, and paying her off with things she didn’t.

“Sometimes the thing that looks worthless turns out to be invaluable”, said Kat. “Look at this.” Kat rummaged among the packing crates on the floor, and handed her a cup.

Maria weighed it in her hand. She instantly liked this ugly object. Ceramic, crudely decorated with an owl. A column rose up in the centre of the bowl. She turned it over: a small hole in the base of the cup.

“People say he invented it.” Kat pointed to a framed picture on the wall. A bearded man in robes was turning away from a bush, his hands held up in horror. “You know, a2 + b2 = c2. Clever man. Don’t know why he hated fava beans though. They’re delicious."

"What's the hole for'?" asked Maria.

"You'll find out. It's yours. For helping me do my puzzle.” …»