No Refunds

I approached the shop with a paradoxical mixture of trepidation and certainty. The white gold heart was not heavy in my pocket; it was feather light, had lost its chain, had lost its charm, or so I thought.

A honey haired beauty stood behind the counter, filled with an array of pretty, shiny things. I looked for a short while, too short a while, before I made my selection; a larger, more dazzling looking heart, adorned with gold swilrs and diamond studded, sure to be noticed, sure to satisfy my lust for the sparkling.

I pointed at the heart, placing my own almost worthless offering on the counter before me and said, 'I'll take it. Here is my exchange.'

Athene, honey haired and luminescent gazed quizically at me with her starry lilac eyes.

'Are you certain this is what you want? There can be no refunds; not even I can grant you that.'

I nodded my agreement; perhaps it was telling that I could not speak.

With a look of sorrow, Athene made a single, deft movement, and the dazzling diamond encrusted heart was hanging resplendant around my neck.

The small, white gold heart, polished by years of caresses, had disappeared.

I walked out of the shop, smiling, but by the time I reached the end of the street, Athene's words were already ringing in my ears;

'There can be no refunds.'