Marshal accepted the earrings from the salesman and faced me. "Ahndra, you can't wear a hot dress like the one you got without getting earrings." He offered forward a pair that looked to be nothing but twinkles falling from an initial stud. "Come on. These will go with the necklace I got you. Try them on."
"I don't have pierced ears," I protested, taking a step back.
"I know that. These aren't pierced. See? You screw this down in the back until they don't fall off." He gestured me forward. "Come on, Ahndra. It'll be fun. Relax."
I took in a deep breath and released it slowly. Then I stepped forward and accepted Marshal's offer to put the earrings on me. I stared at my reflection in the small mirror and saw the twinkle of the earrings match the glimmer of my eyes. Mom. . . Mom, I wish you could see me now.