I walked into the jewelry shop, fully aware that I would probably spend more money than I should. My Christmas shopping was already complete—we were leaving in just two days—but there was one more thing I needed: something for Em.
It wasn’t just about fulfilling an obligation; it was about finding something that reflected her, something meaningful. As my girlfriend, she deserved a gift that showed her how much I cared. Yet, I also knew Em well enough to realize she wouldn’t want me to go overboard. She hated unnecessary extravagance, especially when it came to things she hadn’t specifically expressed a desire for. That’s why I had already swung by Target and picked up a few books she had been wanting, something thoughtful yet simple. But this felt different. This felt expected—not by her,
