I can die in there, my eye pressed against the gem.
One day they will find me inside, like a fly in amber. My grandmother said ancient people used the sun-yellow stone for healing and as a charm against snake bites.
This is not worth much, my mother says, $84.00 at most--just as well, a sixteen year-old girl can't own anything precious. At least it's beautiful, Mama adds, sneering, after she stops grating cheese to study my face.
I hold Grandma's gift to me up to the light, lost within the tear-drop shape bursting with brilliant facets. Maybe--maybe this thing's magic takes time to work.