Like a Ruby

Word count: 374

Foxtober Prompt: Crystals

 

Something Clarine had recently discovered was something quite... beautiful. Something as unique as the forests and flowers she's seen, something completely out of this world. Crystals. Clarine stood in a jewelry store- her large hoodie hanging off her body, her ruby red hair done up in a messy bun- untouched since the day prior, where she had slept with it. She was slouched over- knees barely bent and hands atop them, her eyes trained on a glass counter that stood in front of her. Jewelry with different kinds of gems and crystals were inside, all ranging in extreme expense. Clarine was too poor to afford anything like gems or crystals, as she was living on money from two of the survivors and 2 jobs. 

 

The Scarfox didn't have work today. In fact, it was the only day in the week where she wasn't working. In this time, she either stays inside or explores the world around her. Her favourite thing to do is walk around the market and wander into different stores. 

 

She often visited the jewelry store just to look at the beautiful rings and necklaces. The store owner now knew her as an unpaying regular, just there to look around and admire. She has spoken to them briefly on multiple occasions- they were quite nice. Over time they got less and less suspicious but still kept an eye on Clarine. 

She lifted her head "What is this one?" Clarine questioned, pointing her massive finger towards the glass. The shop owner wandered over, peering down at the ring she was gesturing to. "That's a Jade ring." He told her. Clarine let out a few oo's at the name.

 

"That sounds expensive and pretty." She commented, making the man behind the counter laugh out loud. "You're dead on. My friend wanted to get one for his wife but it was too expensive." He smiled kindly. Clarine stared for a few seconds longer before smiling and peering back down. 

 

The man stared at Clarine before looking over at a specific ring and gesturing to it, catching Clarine's attention and having her look over at it. 

 

".. This one matches your hair. I-It's pretty." He commented shyly.

It was a ruby.