Rings From Red's

The last thing I did before leaving the next morning to board our flight out of Tehran was to purchase a few puzzle rings to give to friends back in the USA. Heading over to Red's carpet shop, I figured he'd have a pretty good selection to choose from at the prices I could afford.

Red was an interesting fellow, always freindly and jovial, it was a pleasure dickering with him. As I was leaving, a man dressed in a business suit came into the shop and whispered to Red.

Stepping out of the way so they could conduct their transaction, Red reached into the end of a rolled up carpet and pulled out a carton of Marlboros. He grinned and winked at me as he did so, trusting me to keep my mouth shut about it. The business man paid Red and left.

I thanked Red for our bit of business and left feeling privileged to have been trusted by him.