a flash fiction challenge |
Green Jade Claire was taking a leisurely stroll in the neighbourhood she had just moved into. People seem so friendly here, she thought to herself as passing strangers, smiled or nodded to acknowledge her. She found her way to a row of quaint little shops. One was a metaphysical shop, where there was a fluffy cat curled up in a patch of sunlight in the front window. Claire peeked in and saw a rack of Tarot cards, shelves of incense and rows of books. The bell over the door chimed as she walked in, and the soothing scent of sandalwood greeted her. To one side of the store was a rack of gemstone bracelets. A green bracelet immediately caught her eye. As she was running her fingers tenderly over the smooth stones, a very soft and friendly voice said, "Oh my dear, that is green jade. If you wear that bracelet, luck with follow you." Claire very sweetly replied, "I don't think that is true. I don't believe in the power of gemstones. I just like them because they are so pretty." The store owner’s smile didn't waver. She put a gentle hand on Claire's and said, "You buy that bracelet, there’s a reason you were drawn to it." She gave a little wink and went back to the counter. Moments later, Claire was at the counter asking the lady not to put the bracelet in a bag, as she would wear it home. The bell chimed, as Claire opened the door to exit. But before it could close behind her the fluffy cat that had been sleeping in the window, followed her out. "Luck! Get back here!" called the lady from behind the counter. But neither Claire nor the cat heard, as they turned down the street toward Claire's new home. JMariah 300 words prompt: write a story that include the line "I don't think that is true" |