Despite everything else on display before your very eyes, you couldn't turn your gaze from the ruby amulet left hanging from its golden chains. The gem was almost hypnotic as it swayed back and forth. And back and forth. And--
"Found something interesting, I see?"
You shook your head and looked up at the beaming face of Cleo grinning back at you.
"Uh, yeah," you said sheepishly looking away. You had the itch to purchase something and didn't want to admit it. "How much for that ruby amulet? I know you said the first item is free, but I don't want to rip you off either."
"So considerate, much like your father. Don't fret though. It is an expensive item, but I can sense that it calls to you, doesn't it? In a way, I feel you are destined for this item and it for you. It would be vile of me as a business woman to go back on my word. Therefore, I give it to you on the promise that you wear it only when you get home. To not spoil the surprise."
That was a little weird but you ended up agreeing. And before you knew it, Cleo had wrapped up the amulet in a small paper bag and sent you on your way.
"There you go, kid. Do say hi to your mother for me, I'd love to see if she remembers me."
You shrugged off the weird vibe Cleo was giving you as you returned to an empty house save for a note on the fridge. Apparently your mom and Caitlyn had gone out for lunch on the town. Another misguided attempt at mother/daughter bonding to mend their frayed relationship. Things had been taxing for them lately and you tried to keep out of it as best you could.
Instead, you popped some frozen burritos in the microwave and scurried over to the bathroom, the amulet still in your pocket.
After doing your business, you paused at washing your hands in the mirror and recalled Cleo's words. She was quite insistent that you only wear it when you got home, which was strange. But now that you were home alone, you could obey her one request. You grabbed the golden chains and hoisted them around your neck before locking them in place with a satisfying click. The ruby then dangled in front of your chest, proudly. Almost like it was glowing. You half expected something interesting to happen the way Cleo was pitching it to you. But that might have just been her sales personality.
As you turned to the mirror though, you noticed something odd about your reflection.
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