When summer arrived six months later, the quiet town entered its busiest tourist season.
I was behind the counter checking the month's accounts when a familiar voice spoke from the other side.
"Excuse me. How much is this twin-loop bracelet?"
I looked up and met Sophie's eyes.
Sophie had lost weight. She no longer looked pampered or entitled, and she wore a simple linen dress.
Sophie froze in the doorway, and her canvas bag slipped from her hand.
"Elena, is that really you?"
Her eyes filled with tears. She stood there awkwardly for a moment, then lowered her head.
She took an old velvet jewelry box from her bag and held it out to me.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know he was married. I stood in front of you and bragged about things he bought with your money. I was stupid and awful. This is
