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Thursday, April 11, 2019

J - Jewelry #AtoZChallenge

My A to Z Challenge: Micro fiction, using 300 words or less, inspired by selected words along with a photo for inspiration. The words were chosen in reverse order from this lesson plan page.
(For example, for the letter A it was the 26th word on the list, for Z it was the 1st word on the list)



He rounded the corner and slowed in front of the former jewelry store. Sixty years ago, he had scrimped for a wedding ring. Forty years ago, he had bought her a new set with a beautiful diamond engagement ring for their 20th anniversary. Ten years ago, he returned to get an infinity ring for their 50th celebration.

He studied the new store now converted to a stained glass shop. The colorful bits of glass flashed sunlight back at him through the front window. He hesitated, then walked inside. The ancient bell over the door pealed out a welcome. The display cases now held different items but not much else had changed. The floor still creaked and the air still smelled of lemon oil.

A young man emerged from the back room, wiping his hands. "May I help you? I'm Gavin, the owner."

"Oh, I'm just browsing. I used to buy from the jewelry store that was here." He held out his hand, "Mr. Bradshaw."

"By any chance, you wouldn't happen to be Jacob Bradshaw, would you?"

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

"Hold on. I need to get something." He returned with a package covered with tissue paper, setting it on the counter. "My grandfather commissioned this about five years ago. He said you would eventually stop by and I was to give it to you as a final gift from him."

The old man hand shook as he unwrapped the gift. "Your grandfather, he owned the jewelry store?"

"He did. He left it to me with the provision the name would remain."

Jacob thought he'd never seen anything so beautiful. A large stained glass box with the silhouette of a couple along with the words Until We Meet Again on the lid.

Jacob brushed away a tear. "For her ashes, thank you."



11 comments:

  1. What a delightful story, I actually had a little shiver of when I read the lovely ending.

    My A-Z of Children's Stories

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  2. That's a great tale. Sad but believable.

    Janet’s Smiles

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  3. This hit me right in the feels. Great story
    Debbie

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    1. I love that phrase! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

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  4. Aww. That gave me goosebumps. So beautiful.

    Doesn't Speak Klingon

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  5. Nothing prettier than a glass shop - all that sparkle. I have to admit, though, I was REALLY surprised by the ending of the story. Yet, a glass box for ashes of a loved one makes sense - let her sparkle forever.

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    1. Thank you, Wendy. I had no idea how the story was going to turn out when I started writing. In fact, until the very end, I had no plans for the ending. Then it just happened.

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  6. Aww, sweet.
    Beth
    https://bethlapinsatozblog.wordpress.com/

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