The Necklace

Last Chapter (The End)

That day after school, we went to Misaki’s house to talk to her mother. When her mother found out about my mother’s death, she broke down crying. After comforting her, we got directions from her to an address. When we asked about the address, Misaki’s mother said that we would find out once we got there.

We then left and headed out to the address. We took a taxi.

When we reached, I could see that it was a traditional Japanese house, the kind with sliding doors and tatami mats. It seemed expensive. There was a security guard stationed outside the house. Misaki approached the security guard, asking, “Who lives here?”

“No one,” a reply came.

We were then confused. If no one lived here, why did Misaki’s mother give directions to here?

Our thoughts were interrupted by the gruff voice of the security guard, “Might I ask, do you happen to be Ms. Miyazawa and Mr. William?”

“Yes, I am Miyazawa Misaki, and this is Jason William.” Misaki answered for me. I was more confused than ever.

“Then you are the ones that I was instructed to let in. Please enter,” the security guard stated, before bowing slightly.

I quickly stepped forward to enter, Misaki followed closely behind.

I slid open the door and stepped inside. Surprised at what I saw, I stood frozen at the spot.

“What are you-” she trailed off after she saw the house.

The house was clean and neat as ever, as if someone was living here. And in the whole dull room, on the dull brown table sat a small white chest, with a dove carved on the top. “The dove…representing peace, love, pacifism…and used in Christian weddings,” she mumbled out, her cheeks tinted pink.

I smirked. Now I know what this house was for. I walked over to the chest on the table, kneeling on the floor. I inspected the chest. There weren’t many details on it, nice and simple, with a dove on top. The only other design was the yin and yang imprint on the front of the chest. I tried opening it, but it wouldn’t budge.

“Here, let me try.” She said softly.

She took off her and my necklace and pieced them together. They fitted perfectly. She then pressed the full yin and yang necklace against the imprint on the chest.

A soft ‘click’ resounded throughout the otherwise completely silent room. The chest was open.

Inside was a piece of folded paper, along with many four-leafed clovers.

I took the paper, unfolded it, and read it aloud.

“Dear Jason and Misaki, if you do not already know, this house was left by us to you, for you to live in after you get married. This was the same house we both lived in when we were teenagers attending the same school you attend now. We now leave it to you, and hope you live together happily. We are leaving our collection of four-leaf clovers from years’ worth of hard work. With that, we wish you the best of luck. The first for hope, the second for faith, third for love, and fourth for luck, as they say. With all our hearts, (Jason’s mother) and (Misaki’s mother).”

I folded the paper back and looked at Misaki to see her crying.

I pulled her into an embrace and slowly petted her head.

As we were walking home that day, a dove flew across our path. The dove, symbol of peace and love. I let a small smile slip onto my face as tears welled up. My hand tightened around Misaki’s hand, and she squeezed back.

We had many words we needed to say, many tears that needed shedding.

But with words left unspoken, and tears left unshed, we reached an agreement…a promise to never leave again.

“Forever?” She all but whispered.

“Forever.” A promise blown away in the wind.