(prompt: 'huge' April 16, 2021)

She never saw it coming. When she thought she'd seen every shocking antic or action, her beloved daughter Erin could present, there came the most memorable of all. The two of them had climbed many a rocky path, conquered the steepest hills, in the quest to re-establish the closeness they both desired so deeply.

After hours of preparation and the briefest time of finally being able to relax, Katherine gave the beautiful table setting a final penetrating check. Mentally ticking off each important facet, her eyes critically swept the gleaming silver cutlery, sparkling glassware, and sweet, small, 'oh so special' birthday centrepieces, treasures from the children long, long ago. A fragrant vase of fresh roses in her best crystal vase claimed pride of place, tall candles in gleaming holders on each side. More flickered around the room, casting their own unique glow and warmth over the scene.

She found she couldn't give her usual concentration to this task. The picture in her mind seemed indelible... of Erin smuggling in that present defying her imagination. It sat now, on a side 'present' table. With a furtive glance over her shoulder to ensure no-one was witness, she touched it once more. A puzzling square, prettily wrapped, sitting inside a gorgeously decorated carry-bag. She couldn't resist another small lift and jiggle. This enigma totally piqued her curiosity. Heavy as... but never a movement within the parcel. It was obviously well-packed. But what is it? Katherine couldn't remember a time when she'd been more intrigued. Like a born-again child, she thought, and smiled somewhat 'goofily' as she thought of presents past.

Many years of experience in patient waiting for a great number of things saw her sail with apparent calm and charm through the countless culinary delights of her birthday feast. All her usual delicious foods arrived and were savoured, with much raising of glasses to toast everything her family could think of... and more.

Finally, when Katherine was getting tinily tight-lipped with anticipation, the time came for THE present she anticipated so eagerly. It sat in front of her, at last! A strange breathlessness accompanied a clutching feeling of her heart. A glance at Erin revealed eyes dancing as she had not seen them for the longest time. What kind of skullduggery is this? Katherine wondered, as she began laboriously unwrapping several layers, and shared a knowing grin with Erin, saying, "Now I wonder where on Earth you could have learnt that frustrating trick?"

When she finally opened the box, as suspected, much packing material still confronted her. Pulling and pushing all aside, she uncovered... a rock?!? A perfectly ordinary rock?!? THIS was what she'd been agonising over? Hugely confused, she spread her hands, grunting, "HUH?" — not understanding why Erin was helpless with laughter.

Mopping her eyes, Katherine's daughter gasped, "Lift out the rest. There's a special message for you underneath. Look! And then I'll explain."

Sure enough, the removed material revealed the words, YOU'RE MY ROCK. And quick as a flash, Erin was out of her chair, laughing and hugging Katherine. Now it was time for mother to 'tear up' as daughter expressed gratitude for all the years of keeping her grounded and being there for her, time after time when her personal going became too rough for her.

"You ARE my Rock," she said, and a tear or two slipped down her cheeks, too. "I don't know how many times I believe I wouldn't have made it without you, and your strength."

As she laughingly and lovingly hugged Erin many times in the ensuing evening, Katherine told her constantly how this had been THE most novel ever; a delightful and treasured surprise... such a rock-solid demonstration of her feelings. And could not believe she never saw it coming.