Gift for the Heart

Alaina's grumbling echoed in my ears as we wove through the market stalls. "Honestly, I can't believe I got roped into this gift-buying mission."

I hadn't planned to drag her into it, but my solo attempt had ended, predictably, at the bookstore—a dead end since Sia and I only had one mutual friend. Desperation had led me to bribe Alaina with five chocolates for her "expertise."

"I'm lost," I admitted, staring helplessly at the rows of necklaces, bracelets, and scarves. "Which one's the right choice?"

Alaina let out a bright laugh. "You do know I'm only twelve, right?"

I stopped in my tracks, caught off guard. "Yesterday, you were telling me you knew everything!"

A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes. "Well, maybe grown-ups shouldn't take a kid's word so seriously."

My hope sank, but Alaina, ever the quick thinker, smiled. "Don't worry, mister! What kind of jewelry do you usually notice on her?"

Before I could think too hard, the answer slipped out.

"There!" Alaina beamed, a note of pride in her voice. "That wasn't so hard, was it? Come on, I know the perfect place. My mom used to take me there all the time."

Minutes later, I found myself clutching a small velvet box, its weight feeling heavier with every passing second. Anxiety gnawed at me as we walked away.

Later that evening, back at our familiar corner table in Sparkle Café, I cleared my throat, catching Sia's attention. She looked as radiant as ever, bathed in the café's soft golden light.

"Everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"Yeah, fine," I muttered, my nerves betraying me. "Just… nothing really."

Sia raised an eyebrow. "You seem a little off today."

"I, uh…" My words tangled in my throat. I wanted to hand her the gift, but the first time always felt like walking a tightrope. "There's something I wanted to ask you."

Sia set her coffee spoon down, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Go ahead."

My mind scrambled for something coherent. "Do you believe in… gods?"

She laughed softly. "Honestly? I believe in myself." She took a sip of her coffee, her tongue grazing her upper lip. "What about you?"

I hesitated, then replied, "Actually, I believe in goddesses."

Her smile deepened with curiosity. "Oh? And what kind of powers do these goddesses have?"

"Nothing too magical," I said, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. "They just… believe in themselves."

An awkward silence stretched between us, my attempt at charm landing somewhere between cringe and confusion. Just as I was about to apologize, a soft blush colored her cheeks, and her smile shifted from amused to genuine.

"That's… sweet," she said, surprising me. "Thank you for saying that."

"Really?" I asked, startled by the warmth in her voice.

"Yes, really," she nodded, her eyes softening.

Outside, the sky was beginning to darken. I hesitated, then stood up, mumbling, "I guess I should get going. See you around."

As I walked toward the door, an uneasy weight settled in my gut. Fear coiled in my chest as I debated whether to give her the gift or retreat without a word. But by the time I made up my mind, Sia had already crossed the street, swallowed by the bustling evening crowd.

I cursed myself under my breath, then bolted out of the café, weaving through the throng as I called her name.

"Sia!"

She didn't hear me at first, lost in the noise of the city. But just as I was about to give up, she turned around, her eyes wide with concern.

"Rihan? What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I muttered, fumbling for the velvet box in my pocket. "This is probably the worst place to do this—middle of traffic, next to a dustbin—but…" I pulled the gift out with a shaky hand, offering it to her.

Sia's face lit up with surprise as she took the small, wrapped box. "Can I open it now?"

"Of course," I said, feeling foolish for even hesitating.

She carefully peeled back the shimmering wrapping, revealing a sleek box underneath. When she lifted the lid, her eyes widened with awe.

"Wow," she whispered, her voice soft with admiration. The question slipped out before I could stop it, a foolish echo of my nerves. "Do you like it?"

Sia's gaze lingered on the intricate silver earrings inside the box, her fingers tracing the delicate design. A smile spread across her face. "Like it?" she repeated, a sparkle in her eyes. "These are beautiful, Rihan. Thank you."

She picked up one of the earrings, turning it over in her hand with a kind of reverence that sent a wave of relief crashing over me. "They're stunning," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Truly. Thank you."

In that moment, the self-doubt that had clung to me since I'd dragged Alaina into the gift-buying mission melted away completely.

The gamble had paid off.