Chapter 25 - Chloe’s Necklace
Three years later I saw Chloe wearing sapphire again.
Not the necklace.
Small earrings.
I noticed.
She noticed me noticing.
“Bought them myself.”
I laughed.
“Good.”
That was first genuine laugh between us after everything.
We were at Sophie’s school performance.
Chloe had asked to attend.
Sophie said yes.
Noah wanted her dog to come.
Dog did not attend school theater.
Tragedy.
Chloe sat two seats away.
No forced closeness.
During intermission she said:
“I used to think expensive things proved somebody valued me.”
I asked:
“Greg’s necklace?”
“Yes.”
“When I learned where money came from, I felt sick.”
“Good.”
She laughed.
“I probably deserved that.”
“No one deserves feelings. Actions, maybe.”
Therapy had infected my vocabulary.
She rolled eyes.
Then:
“I’m sorry Sophie ever thought her money made me prettier.”
That sentence was oddly specific.
I appreciated it.
Children should never believe adult luxury outranks their security.
Even if account balance was large enough that one necklace did not threaten college.
May you like
Principle matters.
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