I stepped to the corner as more people approached the counter. A musky men’s fragrance snuck into my nose, and I sneezed into my coat’s sleeve. I glanced up, looking for a familiar face. But I only saw an unfamiliar man looking at the glass counter with his significant other. The cologne was like Austin’s, but slightly different.
I had to cleanse myself of Austin. I’d tried, but little things kept reminding me of him. Maybe I needed to go ask my friend, Rhea, to use her palo santo on me. She worked at Serenity Wellness, a metaphysical store that offered alternative healing, crystals and tarot readings.
Turning my focus back to the bracelet, I studied the teardrop cut. My mom’s birthday was in May, and emerald was her birthstone. Mine was peridot, another green birthstone representing August.
On the counter was a pamphlet with the various stones and their attributes. I picked it up and read that emeralds symbolized fertility, rebirth, nature, and the cycle of life. The calming energy of emeralds helped release emotional blockages to foster inner peace. It also enhanced intuition.
The stone described my mom perfectly. I admired how she handled the terrifying ordeal with ease and grace. Her acceptance of the inevitability of death gave me innerstrength, soothing me at a time when I should have been soothing her.
As for the peridot, which was a bright yellow-green, it symbolized harmony, peace, luck, and comfort—all the things I wanted for my life. The vibrant green promoted general wellness.
But in the past year, I couldn’t believe in those things.
Don’t let one man ruin your outlook.
Jessica returned and grinned. “Would you like me to wrap it up?”
“Yes, please.”
After paying for the expensive bracelet, I tucked the velvet jewelry box into my purse and walked back to the candle store to browse. I picked up the Warm Sugar Cookies and Cedarwood candles, inhaling each one. These aromas made me feel cozy.
“Don’t forget to use your coupon! It’s only for today!” cheered the sales associate wearing a Santa hat.
I could get my friends candles this year for our little gathering. Kendra Hoang, Rhea Summers, Layla Kwan, Jemma Lopez, and Deidre Florakis didn’t spend lavishly on our gift exchange. We just liked our ritual holiday gathering to catch up with each other. After the sales associate wrapped the candles safely and placed them into a bag, I glanced at my watch. I could pick up lunch before heading home.
As I walked out of the candle store, a group of people swarmed the associate giving away discount coupons. I stepped forward but stopped when two women with multiple shopping bags almost crashed into me.
“Sorry!” said the woman carrying four bags. “It’s crazy here today.”
“It’s okay.” I stepped off to the side and stared at the jam-packed mall, trying to see where I could squeeze through.
I never saw the mall this crowded. The irresistible sales brought out more people than I anticipated.
That musky scent hit me again, causing me to sneeze. Someone bumped into me and apologized. I couldn’t tell who it was as people pushed past me. I didn’t want to linger around because I’d spend more money on things I didn’t need. My mom’s gift had already taken a chunk out of my depleting savings.
I headed to the parking lot, glancing around to see if there was a car looking for a spot. No one was around.Oh well.I would have liked to offer my spot to someone.I walked toward my car when I sensed someone close to me. I turned and almost bumped into a man wearing a black, hooded coat. Fear twisted in my stomach as he smirked and yanked at the body of my purse, but I gripped it tightly, creating a tug-of-war.
“Let go!” he snarled.
“Help me!” I screamed and whacked my bag of candles at his face. Something cracked, and blood gushed from his nose.
He shoved me to the ground. Snatching my purse, he ran but tripped on something. He braced a hand on the ground as the contents inside the purse scattered everywhere. Then he pushed himself up, lunging toward me.
“Someone help me!” I shouted again.
Then voices boomed. “Are you okay, miss?”
The man ran off as a friendly couple rushed over to help me get up. They gathered up the candles and stuffed them back into the bag. Thank goodness forthe bubble wrap around each candle. I gathered the items dispersed from my purse and gasped when I didn’t see the velvet jewelry box.
“Did you see a green velvet box?” I asked the couple.
“No, did he take it?” asked the woman in the furry coat.
Terror and adrenaline muddled my mind and speech, so I nodded.
“Peter, call the police,” said the woman, who introduced herself as Patty.
“Thank you, Patty and Peter, I’m Ava.”
