588- Precious Pearls

Mary went to a shop of cheap accessories and pearls. She saw a necklace having five false glass pearls. Her mother asked her to walk with her to buy food; however, Mary said to her, “Mom, please buy me this necklace. I like it very much.”

Her mother said sadly, “It costs twenty Dollars and I don’t have but twenty Dollars to buy food for us all.”

“It’s beautiful Mom. Buy it for me and I won’t eat today or tomorrow.”

“Believe me, I don’t have but twenty Dollars. Your birthday is after three days. Dad will give you money. Then, buy it.”

Mary went sadly home. She then opened her pocket to find thirteen Dollars. Three days passed as if they were years. Mary was waiting for the money to buy the false necklace. On her birthday, she actually took the money. Early on the Morning, she asked her mother to go with her to the shop to buy it. As soon as she got it, she put it on and did not put it off except when she had shower lest it rust. Few months later, as Dad narrated the evening story, he asked her, “Mary, do you love me?”

“Yes.”

“Then, give me this necklace.”

“Take the doll.”

“Thanks, good night.”

Weeks later, after Dad had narrated the story the same event took place. This time, Mary’s eyes were full of tears. She said, “It doesn’t suit you Dad. Take anything else.”

Few weeks later, he narrated the story and before he kissed her, Mary had put off her necklace and presented it to him joyfully saying, “Dad, please accept this little gift. I love you.”

Tears filled his eyes. He stretched his left hand to take the gift while presenting with his right hand an invaluable necklace with true pearls. As she was surprised, he said to her, “I bought you this necklace months ago. I was waiting for you to give me this false necklace to give you then this precious one.”

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: اللآلئ الثمينة.

You ask for a little of what You gave me.

You long for taking to open for me Your treasuries.

As You receive from me what is Yours,

You bestow upon me what my mind can not perceive.

Your love is wonderful O True Father.

A Private Chamber

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

Surrounded with Twenty-Six Guards