“What do these earrings cost?” the customer asked Marianna
“Just $9,999 ma’am.”
“Hey, that is not bad. Shirley, shall I go for it?”
“Sure.”
Marianna felt a pang as her customers tried different earrings and spoke of how cheap they were. Time to close, she thought, relieved. It was late and Marianna hurried, looking for something.
The platform shop was just closing.
“Two minutes, please?” she pleaded
After ten minutes, she asked the shopkeeper to pack some imitation jewellery. They cost $2.50 and looked as good as the earrings she had sold. Marianna’s heart felt light as she walked home.
Written for Friday Fictioneers, hosted by Rochelle. Thanks to Dawn M. Miller for the photo.
Not all that sparkles is gold, and gold doesn’t always sparkle. Sometimes you can get as much pleasure in something that is $2.50 as you can of something that costs $9,999. At least there isn’t so much of a panic if you lose one.
Imitation can look as lovely as the original. It is not expensive, but the craftsmanship cannot be denied. And yes, the more costly it is, the more you fear for its safety. Thank you, Alastair
You’re welcome 🙂
I don’t think I could easily wear earrings that cast that much!!
Yes, always be worried that you have not lost it. Thank you for reading:)
The things people do for appearances…
Good take on the prompt!
That is a point of view. The other one is that she is a young woman working in a jewelry store. She watches other people wearing them, but she can never touch it, except as a guardian. So, her longing makes her buy cheap jewelry and pretend it is the real one.. Thank you for commenting:)
Nicely done this week. Enjoyed your post.
Thank you very much, Summer:)
Nice tale…yes, inexpensive can work just as well!
True:) Thank you for visiting and reading
a lovely story… yes, it’s really not about the price but about the real value of the possession and the pleasure it gives the owner. 🙂
True, she is content with that and that is what matters. Thank you, kz:)
Smart move on the cheaper jewelry — now she can afford a bite to eat.
Yes. Anyway, she can’t aford the expensive one, so better be happy with what you have:) Thank you so much for the read and comment
I love me some cheap earrings!
Yes, they look great and you can wear them without of the fear of their getting stolen. Thank you so much, Dawn:)
Made me think of times I was forced to do that.
A real good one.
Thank you, Aesop
Dear Nightlake,
Your protagonist has discovered that it is very easy to be happy. You just smile and be. Very nice story.
Aloha,
Doug
Hi Doug, Glad you found it enjoyable and thank you so much. Cheers, Nightlake
smart girl because being thrifty is not about being cheap, it is about being smart. even if she had millions, the money she saved could be used to help those in real need. like money to buy equipment to supply those who have no access to fresh water. great story. ♥
definitely. you are right. Thank you for your comment and perception, Sunshine:)
It goes to show that happiness is found from within and does not have a price tag. Good to see ya again.
Tom
Thank you very much:) Glad you visited again
I’m grateful I’m not into jewellery. This piece made me even more so. 🙂
Thank you, Sandra:)
I knew there was a big mark-up in jewelry, but that’s ridiculous. Marianna has got quite a scam going. Ron
Lol. Your comment injects lighthearted fun into this serious story:) Thanks so much
Wow, I want to marry Marianna if she can sell for that and buy for this! Nicely done little tale.
There are many girls like Marianna. Poverty teaches them to accept and like whatever they have. Thank you very much for reading
It is all a matter of perception. And I am of the school that believes that the value of a person is what is in their heart. Nicely done.
Hi Jules, Glad to see you here. Agree with you and thanks so very much for the comment
It’s ironic that many people with expensive jewelry keep it in the safe and wear fake jewelry just like it. Might as well get the cheap stuff right away.
They say that jewelry is a good investment..so, they buy it, but not necessarily like to wear them..Thank you very much for the read and the comment
Dear Nightlake,
Kudos to thrifty Marianne. All that glitters is not gold.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Dear Rochelle, Thank you very much
Great story about the differences in life
Thank you, Björn
I feel sorry for Marianna in more ways than one – obviously she is yet to discover true worth, it would seem
We notice many sales women in boutiques, wearing simple clothes and selling expensive stuff. You wonder if they want to try out one of these dresses. And that inspired this story..Thank you very much
Love the irony in this story! Good writing!! Cheers~ 😀
Thanks a lot for reading
You’re welcome!
Keep your writings rolling in!! Cheers~ 😀
Loved your take on the prompt, you managed to show life from both sides of the counter, well done
Thank you very much, Dee