I was browsing a display of delicate gold necklaces when I heard a familiar voice.
“Could you show me that one again?”
My entire body went still.
I knew that voice.
I turned toward the counter.
Mark was standing beneath the warm golden lights, wearing the dark blue shirt I had ironed for him that morning.
For one ridiculous second, I felt happy to see him.
Then I noticed the girl standing beside him.
She was young, with long brown hair and a delicate face. She couldn’t have been much older than twenty, perhaps even younger. Her clothes were casual, and she looked nervous as she watched the salesperson open a small velvet box.
Mark leaned closer to her.
“What do you think?” he asked.
The girl studied the ring.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Try it on.”
I felt the shopping bag slip against my fingers.
The salesperson carefully lifted the ring from its cushion and handed it to Mark.
