Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Necklace


The minute she saw it, she wanted it. Not because she perceived beauty, but because the necklace was unusual, sizable, had an impressive price tag and was being sold at the most exclusive store.

"Madame this piece is imported from India and was inspired by a most sacred tradition. It depicts a deity..."
"I'll take it!" She declared, almost yelling at the salesman lest he continue with useless information.


It would look stunning with the outfit she bought today, she thought. Seeing her elaborate ensemble, most friends, succumbing to their envy, would pretend not to notice but whisper to each other behind her back. She'd make sure to strategically drop appropriate hints so all would know how valuable it was. "What could be more important in this life than to make a statement," she chuckled to herself confidently with pride.


She was so happy with thoughts of her conspicuous wealth, that upon leaving the store, she began to cross the street absentmindedly when a car, whose driver was also lost in thought, ran her over.


Her new outfit bit the dust. Instead, she wore one out of the many new ones she had hanging in her closet. No matter - only the mortician got to see it on her. Closed casket.

The necklace was found on the street by a fourteen year old who gave it to his mother. She was pleased with her son, but didn't really like to wear cheap costume jewelry. It was kept in her jewelry box for a few months, then put in a large trash bag with stuff for the Salvation Army.


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Thanks to Willow at Magpie Tales for another interesting picture prompt.

21 comments:

  1. Oh, what a stroke of bad luck. So very sad...
    I like necklace too though, I must admit.;)
    xoxo

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  2. stunning! I love it!! that is the way life is :)

    great Magpie!

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  3. Ufff. This left me sad. Poor souls. Myrna, your talents are getting enriched Magpie after Magpie. and I am so enjoying this streak in you.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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  4. ha. i like it...alot...a little different for you and that is good...like the twists in this...

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  5. powerful story myrna...love the twist of fate!
    Thank you so much for hopping over to visit my blog. Zuzana is always so inspiring! I hope you know the gratitude quilt is open to everyone! So if you have a statement of gratitude from your heart that you would like to share, I'd love to include it in the quilt! Her is a link to last years magnificent quilt:http://orli-shines.blogspot.com/2009/11/mega-moebius-gratitude-quilt-woven-and.html

    Directions for how to participate are at the top of the blog. If you join in, I'll end you a link the morning of Nov 25 so you can enjoy the infusion of gratitude from all around the world too!

    gentle steps,
    Laura

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  6. Your stories always has a hidden meaning. The necklace form India!!!! I so love to come and relax here...

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  7. It is me again, I just wanted to thank you for stopping by Laura's blog and for your very kind words on my post there.;)
    xoxo'

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  8. A lesson in your Magpie for all of us!!! Nicely done.

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  9. Very nice! But why did it make me grin?

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  10. Love the twists and turns in this vignette. Nicely done.

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  11. It was great, although I chuckled, too.

    Hmm... wonder what that says about me?

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  12. Not only beauty, but also value is in the eye of the beholder!

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  13. ouch!!! what a twist! and so true - only her knew the value, and her intention was not the greatest I must say... my latest life according to me post relates in a way (when you mentioned all the new outfits saved for a "better" day)

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  14. Beautiful...That is the way of life...

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  15. A well contrived plot: adored piece of jewelery, tragedy, trinket cast off. Had me riveted.

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  16. A well written story, but what a sad twist in the ending!

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  17. A great story with a hint of mystery/curse/superstition behind the necklace given its origins? Love it!

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  18. One of the reasons I like to shop at Goodwill. Great story.

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  19. excellent story, amazing how the street has so many tales to tell... disturbing deuce

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  20. Love this take on the necklace Magpie... a different take on your message here... well covered.

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