Margret had just gotten back from a three day pass in Tokyo. She sought out Hawkeye, who was in the mess room.
"Pierce, could I talk with you-privately?"
"Oh, so you've decided to go for me!"
"Pierce! This is a medical matter for a rather. . . embarrassing nature."
"OK, come with me."
He lead her to one of the examining rooms."
"OK, what's this about?"
"This." She took the boot and sock off of her right foot. On the middle toe was a gold toe ring."
"Is this a new fashion fad you picked up in Tokyo?"
"General Stephens put it on me. We were. . . silly. But now I can't get it off!"
"I see."
"I've been trying for the last 24 hours. It won't budge!"
"OK, I can give you a bottle of muscle relaxer pills."
"No! It's got to be done quickly. I don't want Frank to see it."
"I see! It's OK for him to carry on an affair, but if you see another man, he gets jealous!"
"I know. You're right."
"OK, let me look at it."
She put her foot in his lap, and he inspected it. "You've got a very pretty foot, Margret!"
"Pierce, must you always make jokes!"
"OK, OK!" He pulled at the ring, and she winced in pain. "I'm sorry. Have you tried putting lotion on it?"
"Yes, I have."
"Well, perhaps this will help. Excuse me a moment."
He got up and went into a medicine cabinet. He took out a small bottle and sat down again. He poured some of it onto his hands and spread it onto her toes. Then he massaged her foot.
"If this doesn't work, we might have to cut the ring off."
"NO!"
"Just an idea, Margret!"
He began prying the ring. It didn't move at first, but he was able to get it off after a few seconds. She immediately took it from him.
"Oh, thank you so much, Pierce!"
"Always at your service!"
He picked up a nearby towel and wiped the lotion off her foot."
"Did you mean what you said about me having a pretty foot?"
"Margret, I've seen hundreds of feet, and yours is one of the best!"
She smiled. "Thanks!"
"Now, would you like to see mine?"
"Pierce!" She put her sock and boot back on. "Promise you won't tell anyone about this?"
"Scout's honor."
She got up. "Thanks, Hawkeye."
"You're welcome, Margret."
She got up and left.