Boq was wandering restlessly around the shops and stores on the main street of the little town.
If only he could find a good gift!
It had to be something simple yet thoughtful, something that indicated romance, but not too much, just something that would be perfect for...
Then he saw it.
He had almost looked over it, as it was lying next to several other shiny objects.
A necklace with a tiny lapis lazuli pendant, bordered with several small clear crystals.
This was the ideal present!
She would love him for giving it to her.
Eagerly, Boq waved over the shop owner.
"I would love to purchase this necklace, Sir."
The elderly jeweler gave him a smile.
"I persume this is a Lurlinemas present for a special someone?"
Boq nodded hesitantly and suddenly felt slightly guilty.
"You can never go wrong with jewelry. Either she will accept it as a symbol of your undying love for her or it will win her heart for good if you haven't yet so far."
As the latter was the case, Boq felt a bit more reassured again.
The jeweler handed him a small box tied neatly with a red ribbon.
"Thank you, Sir, have a nice day", Boq said and exited the jewelry shop.
On the street again, he was nearly run over by Nessarose, who looked at him surprised and then smiled knowingly.
"Hello Boq, dear, have you been looking for presents as well?"
Boq got a little nervous and tried to hide the jewelry box inside his pocket.
"Er, yes, indeed, I have."
"And who is the jewelry going to be for?", Nessa asked curiosly and nodded to the shop they were standing in front of.
"I, I can't tell you that, Nessa. It's a secret."
Nessa didn't notice the defensive undertone and looked into her lap, blushing.
"Oh Boq, you're so sweet, you don't have to pretend that the jewelry isn't for me."
I'm not pretending, Boq thought, starting to panic.
What should he do now?
He couldn't just go ahead and tell his girlfriend that he had bought an expensive present for another girl!
"Well, maybe I haven't bought jewelry", Boq started to explain, desperately trying to keep a loophole for him in this dilemma.
"Maybe I have bought something in another shop."
"Don't be silly, I saw you coming out of the jeweler's", Nessa laughed and Boq started sweating.
His plan had most certainly backfired.
"But I shall see on the morning of Lurlinemas what little secret you have been hiding, my dear Boq. Are we going to have supper together tonight?"
"Of course, Nessa, anything you wish."
"I will see you later then."
With that, she rolled off, followed by a couple of her girlfriends who had observed the previous scene from a little distance, giggling and chattering.
Boq pondered about the serious trouble he had gotten himself into.
He had two options.
Either he would buy another piece of jewelry for Nessa, or he would have to find another present for his true love.
But the neclace wasn't meant for Nessa and he didn't have enough money to purchase another piece of jewelry.
Resignedly, he started strolling back in the direction of Shiz.
He would have to come up with a solution sooner or later.
But how?