Devonne Brown

It was late when I left school. The open house had been another success story for the school. Parents and kids were satisfied. Teachers were exhausted from their extended day. Posters and tables were put away. Rooms were locked, and the intercom told us to go home.

It sparkled like nothing in my jewelry box, not even the good stuff Mom left me from QVC. I could tell they were diamonds set in real gold, a tennis bracelet, the elegant, slender kind that kissed my wrist when I put it on. No one was in the parking lot at school when I picked it up. It was right under my car door, like it had been waiting all day for me. It was mine. 

It fit my left wrist like it lived there forever. Heavy and strong, the clasp elegant and intricate, it had to be custom made. How it came off of someone’s wrist was a mystery. It was never coming off of mine by accident, that was for sure. Somehow I looked overdressed in my jeans and school hoodie now. Was this a gift from Athena, Goddess of wisdom and knowledge? I smiled in affirmation.

I started the car to drive home, and caught the gleam of diamonds on my wrist playing in the lights off the dashboard. A constellation moved on my wrist. I had to be careful to remember to watch the road and not the bracelet. I couldn’t wait to get home and examine it properly, and give it the adoration it deserved. It wasn’t everyday a gift of such magnitude presented itself.

Norris waited on the back of the chair when I opened the front door, as if he knew something strange and wonderful had happened. He sniffed at my glistening wrist, then swatted, demanding his evening cream. First things first, he reminded me. The rules of the universe must be adhered to.

I poured his cream before allowing myself another glance at the bracelet. It was more magnificent than I thought. Emerald cut diamonds in gold snaked around my wrist, with a single emerald in its clasp. It was exquisite. How could I ever take it off? Where would I find the courage to wear it in public? 

I stroked Norris as he drank his cream, and thanked Athena for her gift.