The Lapidary Shop

         I love the beach in the off season.  My dog, Valentine, likes the off season too, because he can run on the sand and find fascinating things to smell and explore. All we found today was a little glass bottle. 

         We went up on the boardwalk .  Most of the businesses  were closed with their fronts boarded up in anticipation of the winter sea.  One little shop was still open.  A man greeted us as we came in.  He made friends with Valentine and made us welcome.

         We looked around the shop which had all sorts of mineral stones on display.  Malachite as green as jungle, and  lapis as blue as a kitten’s eye, just like the changes in the colors of the sea. 

         What caught my eye was a basket of what looked at first like spoiled grapefruit, gray and moldy.  On closer look they were rocks, mostly spherical and  quite frankly, ugly. 

         “Those are Geodes,” the man told me.  “They are hollow and contain treasure.  Can I cut one for you?  Fascinated I chose one of the ugly rocks and handed it to him.  He set it on a machine, clamping it firmly in place.  He started a circular saw which slowly bit into the rock, while a stream of cold water cooled the blade.  The rock fell in two and he showed me the inside. 

         Incredible beauty met my eye.  Crystals that had never shone in the sun before, and  lovely blue lace agate.  How could such loveliness be hidden in such an ugly stone? 

         He said, These rocks were formed deep in the earth when time was young, and this one has hidden its treasure through the eons until I cut it open for you.”

         Valentine and I thanked him and carried our treasure home.

         299 words

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ID: 896794   (Rated: 13+) Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  Enter your story of 300 words or less. Note new starting time! by arakun the twisted raccoon