The Necklace

The Necklace

Annie held the necklace in her hand, it was heavy, she knew it would be. There it was in the window surrounded by the second hand store’s usual junk. She was surprised someone hadn’t snapped it up already.

When she saw it in the window it practically called to her. “Come save me!” She’d rushed in hoping it wouldn’t cost more than she had. Now holding the necklace, she was afraid to ask the price.

It was a simple necklace, silver with one leaf hanging down. One beautiful silver leaf. Annie didn’t want to let it go, but had to hand it to the cashier when she asked the price.

“Ah...” the old woman at the register said, “How much do you have?”

Surprised, Annie pulled out her wallet. Six dollars and twenty seven cents. “Goodness!” the woman said, smiling, “that is exactly what it cost!” Annie handed her the money and she handed back the necklace. “Don’t put it on until you get outside,” the woman said.

An odd statement, but Annie was so happy she said “OK,” the woman smiled, her eyes even seemed to be twinkling.

Back outside, Annie stared at the necklace for a few minutes, it was so beautiful. Then she held the chain up to her neck and fastened it around.

Instantly she was not on the street in front of the second hand store anymore, she was in a sunny forest surrounded by flying fairies! Instantly afraid, she took the necklace off.

The cashier was standing next to her. “We are so glad to find you! Go home and put it on again, but, wait until you’re really ready.”

It took forty seven years before she put it on again. But when she did, she was ready.