Free Whisper and Rise by Jamie Day

the emerald with envy, as if expecting it to do something. Then he looked up at me.
    “I bought it from a delightful young woman. Her eyes matched its color, and its mystery.”
    “Nia?”
    “Yes! Yes, that was her name.” Oscar’s face brightened more. “She was from your village. Do you know her?”
    I nodded. “She showed me this crystal once.”
    Oscar’s face lifted and he pressed closer to me. “Then tell me—how does it work? What part does it play in your ceremonies?”
    A piece of guilt broke free from my throat and settled into my stomach. Nia had told me once about telling a fantastic story to sell an emerald she had found, this emerald. She had deceived this man to make a profit. I didn’t know what to say, so I answered honestly.
    “I don’t know, sir,” I told him. “It’s a mystery.”
    The man reached for my arm and turned to face me. He stared into my eyes, forcing me to shift my stance in discomfort. I felt him searching my face for something more.
    “No,” he finally told me, “it seems you don’t know.” He shrugged his shoulders and turned back toward the case, cradling the stone like a small child. “It is remarkable, though.”
    Shadows overtook the sun, casting us in darkness and silence. I had stayed longer than I intended. While Oscar locked his glass case with a small silver key, I stepped toward my exit.
    “Wait!” Oscar’s voice pleaded while commanding me with sudden authority.
    I stopped and waited to turn, allowing tiny chills to fall from my spine. What did the man want?
    “Your diamond,” said Oscar, as if he understood my thoughts. “Will you sell it to me?” He scampered to the door and stood near enough to let me know I shouldn’t depart before bartering.
    I shook my head. “No, sir,” I told him. “This necklace was a gift. I won’t part with it.”
    Oscar held out his hand. His fingers trembled. “May I see it, please? The diamond?”
    His intentions apparent, the man was harmless; I knew he wouldn’t rob me. I gently unclasped and removed my necklace. It was the first time I had taken it off since receiving it as a gift on my Day of Promise. I coiled it onto Oscar’s open palm.
    “Magnificent.” Oscar turned to inspect the diamond in the small amount of light the overhead clouds allowed. He removed a round eyepiece from his pocket and stared through one end, peculiarly close to the charm. After a wide smile, he replaced his device and offered me back my necklace.
    “You have a rare beauty, young lady,” he said, wiping his forehead with a small cloth. “And you are welcome in my store anytime.”
    I smiled back at him and attached my necklace. Its touch made me feel comfortable again, as if I had been missing it for a long while, though it had only been a moment.
    “Thank you, sir,” I told him. “You’ve been a wonderful host.”
    The man held my hand in both of his. “Please, call me Oscar.”
    I opened the door and smiled as the bell jingled my exit.

A Wedding Day to Forget
     
    The weather was turning fast. Thin gray clouds passed overhead, giving way to darker ones from the west. A brisk warm breeze blew from the south. This didn’t feel like a normal summer storm; there was premonition in the air and it seemed like the world had changed while I had been in Oscar’s shop. The people in DarMattey ignored me as I walked back to Sianna’s store. They finished their business along the row of shops and then left in haste, glancing nervously at the sky while dashing away. I didn’t mind their hustle, and appreciated the change while stepping casually along the promenade.
    Reaching the little store at the end of the buildings, I fought the swirling dust that followed me and forced open the door. As I stepped through, a hint of minty rose met me.
    “Rhiannon!” Madeline rushed to me and embraced me with a smile and a hug.
    Over her shoulder, I saw her father, and Colin—and then Nia. My best friend turned to meet my gaze. I hadn’t