THE WHEELCHAIR SCREECHED SIDEWAYS ACROSS THE POLISHED MARBLE BEFORE ANYONE COULD REACT.

a controlled stillness that unsettled everyone watching.

“You think this store sells jewelry,” she said softly.

No one answered.

She looked toward the glass cases, the diamonds, the velvet trays, the careful lighting designed to create desire.

“It doesn’t.”

The manager’s expression tightened.

“Ma’am, I think you should leave.”

The elderly woman let out a continue reading …