The Turquoise Necklace

The salesman behind the counter was looking absentmindedly towards the street while

a little girl approached the store. She stuck her little nose against the glass of the

spectacular showcase and, suddenly, her honey colored eyes shone when she saw a

particular item on display.

She marched right into the jewelry store and

asked the salesman to show her that

magnificent turquoise necklace that had

caught her attention. She said:

“It's for my sister. Could you gift wrap it for me?”

The store owner, who was also present, looked at the girl with certain apprehension and calmly asked her:

“How much money do you have, little one?”

Without batting an eye the girl took out from a pocket a small bundled up handkerchief secured by several knots which she, one by one, carefully undid.

When she was finished, she proudly placed the little handkerchief on the counter and calmly said:

“...This is enough, isn't it?”

Looking at the owner with a mixed expression of hope and sadness, said:

“You know, since our mother died, my sister has taken care of me with much love and she never has any time for her own....”

There were just

a few coins on

the extended

handkerchief...

“Today is her birthday and I am sure

that this necklace will make her very

happy because it is just the color of

her eyes...”

The salesman looked at the owner

without knowing what to do or say.

The owner just smiled at the little

girl, went to the back and personally

wrapped the necklace in a

spectacular silver like paper placing

a beautiful bow made with a

turquoise colored ribbon.

As the salesman watched in disbelief, the owner placed the beautiful package in a

bag bearing the jewelry store name and gave it to the girl while saying:

“Here - take it to your sister with care.”

The little girl left the store happily skipping

down the street.

The day was not over yet when a charming

young lady with golden hair and

marvelous turquoise colored eyes walked in

the store.She placed the

unwrapped gift upon the counter and

asked:

The salesman courteously asked her to wait for a moment and then called the owner, who immediately came out and, with a most respectful smile, said:

“Was this necklace purchased here?”

“Yes, Miss, this necklace is one of the special pieces of our exclusive collection and, as a matter of fact, was bought here this morning.”

“How much did it cost?”

“I am sorry to inform you, Miss, that I cannot share that information with you. It is our policy to treat the price of a purchase as a confidential matter between the customer and the store.”

The man took the case,

wrapped it again - almost

ceremoniously - and with great

care placed again the ribbon

with the bow. Gave it back to the

young lady while saying...

“...But my sister only had a few

coins that she had collected selling

rag dolls made with old clothing

since my salary is very modest and

it barely helps us survive. This

necklace certainly is not custom

jewelry and she simply could not

have had enough money to pay it

with....!

A profound silence filled the store.... she took the package into her hands and slowly walked out of the

store, pressing it against her chest.

“She paid the highest price anyone could possibly pay:

She gave all that she had”

“If one day you have to choose between the world and love,

remember:

If you choose the world you’ll be left without love, but if you choose love, with it you will conquer the world .”

Anon.