I’d kept it safe for over two decades.
“I’m sorry, Nana,” I whispered. “I just need a little time. Maybe this will give me one more month.”
I didn’t sleep much that night, crying over what I had to do.
I kept taking the necklace out, putting it back, telling myself I’d find another way.
But morning came anyway.
And so did reality.
***
I walked to the pawnshop in the middle of downtown. It was the kind of place you walk into only when you don’t have other options left.
A small bell rang when I pushed the door open.
“I just need a little time.”
An older man stood behind the counter, glasses low on his nose.
“Can I help you, ma’am?” he asked.
I hesitated for a second.
Then I stepped forward and placed the necklace on the counter as if it might bite.
“I need to sell this.”
The man barely glanced at it. Then his hands froze.
His eyes locked onto the necklace.
And the color drained from his face so fast I thought he’d faint!
