 Why did Ben leave with two rings?
My parents had died in a strato-jet crash when I was four, so I hadn't needed many of those "You are cordially invited" cards. Just one, which I'd sent to Charlie Taggart. I remembered how, as a kid, I'd pestered him in the Long Island Spaceport, tagging after him like a puppy, and how he'd grown to like me until he became father, mother, and buddy all in one to me. "Ben," he called, "don't forget that offer. A moment later Mickey said, frowning, "What was he talking about, Ben? Charlie was muttering under his breath, smoldering like a bomb about to reach critical mass.
 to symbolize the life he's giving up
 to symbolize the life he's giving up  to represent his marriage to Luna  to remind him to come home and get married  to honor Stardust Charlie