blogwithvalor

The bell above the shop door rang as Michael entered. The outside of the jewelry store was very unassuming. It didn’t call attention to itself like Tiffany’s or Kay’s, which intimidated Michael like most things did. The thought of spending hundreds on a piece of jewelry made him nervous, but something about this place called to him. He’d walked by after getting some coffee at the end of the strip mall and thought maybe he could find a simple gift for his girlfriend, Kendra. After all, they were going to be celebrating 6 months together next week.

Inside the lights were dim, except for well-placed spotlights over each carefully laid piece. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings were all beautifully presented beneath spotless glass counters. Every stone and metal shone like it was lit from within. Michael’s eyes grew wide as every glimmer of light called to him and he felt his forehead become damp. He anxiously turned around and was ready to leave when a voice called to him.

“What brings you in today?” An elderly woman said.

He paused for a moment and regretted every action that led him to this moment. Why did I come here? Jewelry was too much for only dating 6 months. Would Kendra think I am going too fast? I could scare her. Couldn’t I have gotten some chocolates and flowers?

As he turned around, he saw her standing behind the counter. A new spotlight seemed to be turned on directly over her. She had a small hunch in her back and wore a purple dress with a green shall over it. Her grey hair looked almost silvery in the light. He didn’t see her there before and the door to the back room was on the other side of the shop.

Where did she come from?

“I was just curious. I’m not sure this is the right place for what I’m looking for.” He began turning back towards the door.

“Then let me indulge your curiosity. I’ve got a lot of things here that would fit a nice young man as yourself. Or maybe a nice gift for that someone special in your life. Jewelry makes a fine birthday or anniversary gift.” She gave him a knowing smile.

Michael was never good at saying no and told himself looking wouldn’t hurt anything. His sweaty palm fell from the door handle as he turned back to the woman and the counter of bright jewelry.

“I’m just looking.” He said with as much confidence as he could muster.

“Of course. Of course. Now are you looking for something for yourself or someone special.”

“My 6 month anniversary is coming up. My girlfriend isn’t much of a jewelry person. So, I don’t think she’ll like much here.” His attempts at back peddling felt weak, even to himself.

The woman moved down the counter and as she walked the lights seemed to brighten where she went and dimmed where she left. “She sounds like a unique person. I’ve got some very modest pieces over here. Come take a look. Maybe something will speak to you.”

Michael followed her down the counter. To a section of jewelry that didn’t seem to be filled with diamonds or emeralds. There were necklaces and rings holding stones of various sizes. While they were all cut into traditional shapes, they didn’t appear to be more than common rocks.

He felt a sense of calm wash over him at the sight. This might work as a gift. Kendra wouldn’t think these were too serious.

“What kind of stones are these?” He asked.

“These are meteorites. They aren’t particularly rare, but they hold special meaning to special people. They travel across the solar system, perhaps even from distant galaxies to land on this planet.”

He was already crouched down staring into the side of the glass counter. A silver chain necklace, with a heart shaped meteorite was right in front of his face. All sense of nervousness had left him.

This is perfect. It’s cute without being too flashy. Kendra will love it.

“How much for the necklace?” Michael said as he stood up, eyes still fixed on the meteorite.

“Oh that one? A hundred and fifty dollars.” She was already opening the back of the counter to pull out the necklace.

That’s way more than I planned on spending for a gift. I’ve got to back out. He could feel the back of his shirt collecting sweat.

“You know what? I can tell you’re a sweet boy. Why don’t I make it half price?” She held the piece up in the light before Michael.

He left out a sigh of relief as he spoke, “Deal.”

…

Michael walked into his apartment with the necklace in hand. The elderly woman had carefully packaged the necklace in a black velvet box with white interior. He sat at his dining room table with the box in front of him. Something about the entire purchase felt like a dream. He grabbed the box determined to make sure he had bought the necklace.

He opened it and saw the beautifully faceted meteorite on the silver chain. The edges were cut so precisely that they looked sharp. He felt at the tip of the heart and accidentally cut his finger.

Suddenly, Michael was floating in the air. The heart shaped meteorite suspended in front of him, a red drop of blood staining its tip. After another moment Michael felt a sudden jerking motion as the world around him blurred and everything went dark, except for tiny streaks of white that were all around him. They all seemed to be going one direction. He shut his eyes tight hoping that when he opened them he’d be back in his apartment.

Michael felt flat on his back. The ground beneath him was smooth, flat, and cold. He blinked his eyes open to a bright glowing orb floating above him. Around him were men and women all roughly his age, looking just as confused as him. There seemed to be an orb floating over each person. He walked towards a nearby window, far too nervous to speak to the strangers around him.

Outside was a deep purple sky over a bright orange landscape. Bright green clouds floated in the air. In the distance, were tall pointy structures that shone gold and silver. Birds seemed to be flying from those buildings towards them. As they grew, he realized they weren’t birds, but giant dragons covered in gold and silver armor.

What’s going on? Where am I? Michael could feel the sweat dripping down the bridge of his nose.

A familiar voice called out from one end of the room.

It was the old woman from the jewelry store. Only she was much taller now, straight backed, and her purple dress was replaced with a purple suit of armor and green cape. The silver of her hair shimmered as she stood there in the doorway.

Her voice boomed in the crowded room.

“Welcome new recruits. You’ve been drafted into the Milky Way Military. Where we will prepare you for war against the Andromeda scourge.”