All the good things

Suddenly, the world changes. The point of view of countless previous wearers pass before your eyes in a flash. The ring has existed for aeons. It was created from gold found in a meteorite by ancient metallurgists, before history. Unknown power lies in it. Power that has never truly been understood, only accepted, used and abused. You see skin. Lots of naked, female bodies. The last vision is from the eyes of the old man. Born a long time ago.

The flash only lasts maybe two seconds, but you understand. You understand.

Meanwhile, your entire body is (almost literally) on fire as it morphs into something better. You instantly grow several inches taller, and you become strong and fit. Your head suddenly feels clear, as if the booze vanishes from your body, and a rush of confidence and power replaces the drunken wooziness. You can feel your receding hairline reversing, and your hair growing thicker. Something is happening in your boxer shorts too...

Suddenly, you and Annie stand in front of each other in the on-call doctor's room, naked.

She looks confused, and quickly covers herself. Not that you were trying to stare. Her body is testament of several childbirths and a stressful life. Not one to get you in the mood.

"Thank you for all your help, nurse," you say, trying to buy time to come up with some explanation.

She's dressing herself fast now.

"I feel better knowing that you are safe and that the doctor won't try again."

"I- I don't understand," she says.

"Me neither. But at least he didn't get far before I heard your screams. I wouldn't worry about him doing it again."

"I-," she begins, now fully dressed again.

"It's okay," you say and give her a hug. "Maybe take the rest of the night off."

"Y-yes." she says and takes a right turn when you exit the room. You go the other way. Time to hurry home to your wife!