LAUDNA

4. Emeralds!

Erika was wandering aimlessly through the city shops. A blank feeling overcame her mind when she tried to think of a gift for Beatrix.

- Damn! Damn! Damn! What should I buy? - Erika shouted in despair, knowing nobody would hear her amidst all the noise.

Finally, she paused for a moment, deciding to stop running around without a plan and focus on finding a suitable gift. They had known each other since they were about ten years old, so Erika must know something that Beatrix would like.

Suddenly, a clear image appeared in her mind: Beatrix loves accessories, and accessories include jewelry. Earrings have jewels. People began to look at the strange woman laughing alone in the square. She now needed to find a pair of earrings that she could afford before evening.

She entered store after store, but even the cheapest earrings and rings were exorbitantly priced. The clock was approaching three in the afternoon, and Erika had found nothing.

Walking without hope along a less crowded street, Erika noticed another jewelry store. At first, she felt happy, but then hesitated, wondering if she would really find anything good there, considering its location in an abandoned-looking alley, and the store itself appeared a bit run-down. But she reminded herself that she had no other options or time, so she went in anyway.

- Oh, welcome. How can I help you? - said an older lady who emerged from behind the counter.

Inside the store, it wasn't very spacious. The furniture was all simple and old, except for the glass-covered ones that displayed various shiny and colorful merchandise. They weren't as extravagant as those in the expensive stores, but it seemed like a place where Erika could afford something.

Finally, she took a step forward, starting to look for something that would suit her friend's taste.

- …If you'll allow me, what are you looking for? - The lady behind the counter asked again, having seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

Erika was slightly startled, but she decided to ask for the lady's help since she seemed insistent.

- I'm looking for a gift for a friend. Nothing too big or too expensive… Just something beautiful that complements her - said Erika, feeling extremely unsure. She had never been one to shop at this type of store and wasn't sure if the owner would understand.

- Oh, yes, a gift!- she exclaimed and glanced at Erika before heading to a drawer.

As Erika crossed her arms and sighed, the saleswoman opened the drawer. It was full of rings and earrings, but one, in particular, caught her attention.

They looked like emerald-cut marquise stones, about the size of a peanut. Those earrings were in perfect condition and shimmered as if they were enchanting anyone who looked at them.

Erika pointed at them and slowly approached, amazed at how something could shine so brilliantly and suit Beatrix so well. She felt lighter knowing she had found something.

- These ones. Can I take them? - She asked.

- I see you have a trained eye! This little pair of emeralds... for you, I can let them go for 3 gold coins, yes? - The lady replied.

Though she was expecting it and agreed that they were worth that price, Erika's spirits sank. Her wallet would feel this cost.

- Yes! Perfect, I'll take them. - Erika said, trembling as she took out her pouch of coins from her backpack.

The lady smiled and delicately placed the pair of earrings in a small leather box on the counter.

- You do accept payment in silver, right?