A blue glow radiated from the star in the center of the gemstone, illuminating the young girls face as the old man held it up for her to see.

“What does it do?” She asked in a small, timid voice, her eyes absorbing the hue of the smooth stone, and reflecting it’s color in turn.

“What doesn’t it do, child? Hold it close to you…and listen with your soul…” The old man said, his soft face of wrinkles twinkling with smiles like suns.

She nodded her small, blonde head and obeyed, and instantly her hands were filled with such a warmth that she had never felt, not even in her heart.

“Grandfather…” She looked up at him, tears filling her eyes.

“It’s yours, child, it’s yours. Keep it near to your heart, always.”

She looked up at him, and nodded, and he placed his hand lightly on her head, mussing her blonde locks.

“Always, Grandfather, always near my heart…”

“Now go, my girl, go on to your destiny…”

----

The young man sighed heavily, closing his eyes. Despite his age, in that moment, if anyone would have looked upon them they would have found him old and tired. His fist was clenched tightly around a smooth blue stone with a star in it’s center. It warmed his hand in a way that only she had. He moved it close to his heart, and lost himself for a moment in that loving ebb of emotion. A tear leaked from his eyes, his eyes that missed the sight of her.

Always near my heart…