There are many objects in this world that would be considered “ordinary”, “cheap”, or “invaluable”. One such object would be an ancient, rusted locket, sealed off due to time and wear. This locket has been passed down in the oldest in the Tani family for generations. No one knows when it was created nor what is inside. Many members of the Tani say that the item is worthless and should be sold off. However, my grandfather, my family’s patriarch, always told me that there something important about that locket. Sadly, he never had the chance to see his theories through, not that my grandmother would ever allow him. At this point, my father holds the trinket in his possession. The next in line is my old brother, Reed. In truth, he doesn’t care for the ornament, actually, he doesn’t care for the family in general. He always is getting into trouble, both with my parents and the law. My father is worried about giving up the locket to him. My mother, who married into the Tani, tried to convince my grandmother to go against the normal tradition; however, she would hear none of it. She would spout on and on about how it was an ancient and that it would be dishonorable to disobey it. As for myself, it always interested me. Something so old and ancient that no one knows where or whom created it. Something so small but it encourages lifetimes to protect and honor it. Something that is so usual, yet unusual. One thing I always did agree with was my grandfather’s ramblings about the ornament. There was something special. Whether it was how old it was or how important the Tanis made it, I don’t know, but I do know it that there was something inside the locket. Normally, only the oldest member of the family is allowed to touch the locket, but - just before he died - my grandfather allowed me to hold it in my hands for a few seconds and whispered to me “Now you know what I know”. I am fearful that my brother will try and sell it. Who knows what could be in there. I hope that before my father’s death he will go against my grandmother’s wishes and change the tradition. Unfortunately, he seems to think that the ancestors will change Reed’s heart. If my father doesn’t change his mind, for my grandfather’s sake, I will have to take things into my own hands.

~ Alice Tani