astrea cross }} d6. cb. fin.

Soft spoken words and long glances.

Quick hands and quiet movements.

My fingers tread delicately over the chain of the necklace. Outlining each gem embedded in it, one by one. I don't hesitate, my eyes don't shift. I casually continue to look through the store, but my hand never leaving the necklace. My mom continues to talk to the clerk, just as always. I feel a hand on my shoulder. "Ready?" A rush of adrenaline runs through my body. I look up, and respond without hesitating. "Yep!" I turn back to the man behind the counter. "Have a nice day sir," I say with a smile. I follow my mom out, still smiling. She looks down at me and I know what she's asking, she doesn't even have to speak. My hand slips into my pocket, feeling each stone, and my eyebrows raise. No words spoken because none are needed.

I haven't let her down yet.