The Locket
I watched people pass by the store window. I wished they would come in. No one had entered the store all the day. I drummed my fingers on the counter, trying to ease my boredom. Suddenly, a ding was heard at the front the store. Immediately, I stood up and straightened my suit and tie.
"Welcome to World Antiquities!" I exclaimed with a slight bow. "How may I be at your service?"
The tiny elderly lady did not acknowledge me but began to look around the store. Her gaze fell upon a rusty locket behind a glass case. She pointed and stared at me. I frowned. That locket, by far, was the ugliest object that we had in the store.
"Madam, there are more fine-looking lockets in this case here," I said, pointing to the case on her right.
The lady once again pointed at the locket and stared directly into my eyes. I quickly fumbled for the keys in my pocket and unlocked the case. I pulled the locket out and set it on a velvet display. The chain and locket were a dirty bronze color instead of silver. Why would anyone want this locket? I thought.
Carefully laying the locket in the palm of her hand, the lady rubbed the locket with her index finger. A tear formed in the corner of her eye.
"Madam, is everything all right?" I asked nervously.
The lady dabbed her eye with her antique handkerchief and merely nodded in my direction. Her voice cracked when she said, "Yes. Yes, everything is just fine. I have been looking for this locket for over 60 years. I lost it the first year I was married. I was so heartbroken," the lady said.
I smiled and quickly wrapped up the locket in tissue paper. I handed the locket to the lady. She took out her pocketbook, but I just shook my head. "There is no need for money. This locket rightfully belongs to you," I said. The lady took the locket, shook my hand, and walked out of the door.
1
Which of the following would best conclude the passage?
A.
I tried to keep each piece in the store in excellent condition. However, the locket proved to be the most difficult piece to clean.
B.
"The locket was the first present my husband ever gave to me," the old lady said quietly. She looked at the locket affectionately.
C.
The lady carefully looked at each of the cases in the front of the store until something made her stop. I strolled up to the glass case and wondered what could have caught her eye.
D.
I watched as little old lady walked down the street and disappeared. I wish I had more moments like that, I thought. I sat down and began to drum my fingers on the counter once again.
