Excerpt
The Ring
A Flash Fiction Story by Amber Lea Starfire, ©2007
The amethyst sparkled at Lisa as she studied the ring in the dim shop light. The deep purple stone, set in an intricate scrollwork pattern, radiated an inner light. She slipped it on her right ring finger. It was a perfect fit.
She'd lost her job four weeks ago. Restless, she'd gone for a walk and wandered into the resale shop. Pragmatic and frugal by nature, Lisa rarely bought jewelry. But, there was something about this ring. As she gazed into the amethyst, she felt a warm, euphoric glow. It grew within her until, for the first time in a month, Lisa felt calm, focused, and happy.
She looked at the price tag: $499. Lisa's elation slid to disappointment. There was no way she could afford it. She tried to take it off and return it to its velvet display, but it wouldn't budge. Odd. It slid on so easily. She pushed and tugged, but it didn't move.
I really do want the ring. She looked around. Except for the store clerk, she was the only one in the store. It couldn't be an accident that the ring fit so perfectly. Impulsively, she shouldered her purse and walked out the door. The clerk didn't notice. Lisa had never stolen before, yet she felt exhilarated. Nothing was impossible. The world belonged to her. ...
Published by "The Fiction Flyer," Sept. 2007