Bobbled Necklace

Bobbled Necklace
By
Bob Conder

Jewels stood silent and still, staring at the dresser with the bobbled necklace Nana would wear. The moments, old memories now that will never be replaced with anything new, floated through her mind. The sun was setting, casting long shadows that crawled across the room were almost gone before she even moved.

No one ever mentioned Nana as Jewels was growing up. It had been a happy childhood, she thought, until the divorce. One day her Father slammed the door behind him as he left, then just drove off, that was the last image she would ever have of him. The next day her mother packed a few things, loaded the car with snacks and Jamison, her four year old brother, and they drove across the country.

The sun was low in the sky when they arrived. Nana had been standing in the doorway as they drove up. A woman who’s heart was almost bigger than her smile greeted them.

The bills were big and Momma had worked two or more jobs as Jewels and Jamison grew up. Nana was the sitter, taxi driver, homework helper, and confident in matters of young love. She filled Jewels life with meaning and gave her goals, helped and encouraged her. Nana even stood and cheered as Jewels graduated from every school grade.

The nursing program was tough, but long hours of studying mixed with a Spartan life style and Jewels had made it. Only one research project left to complete. She had been in the lab for what seemed days when she got the call.

Candles had been lit, prayers and songs sung, complimentary comments from unknown friends, and the passing was over. The only physical thing left of Nana was the bobbled necklace now laying out on the dresser waiting to be worn, waiting to make a statement, waiting to share a good time.

 “It’s not fair.” Jewels whispered as a tear landed on the pearls.