“You look so beautiful!” Ronnie stands over my right shoulder while I finish applying my lipstick. “That color matches your hair. It’s really pretty.”
I blow a kiss at her reflection the mirror. “You’re too sweet, kiddo. Thanks for the confidence boost.”
Her head cocks sideways at that adorably confused angle. “What’s confidence?”
My leather-clad butt spins on the bench, putting us face-to-face. “I’m not quite sure how to describe it, but think of it as a bright light inside of you. That shine makes you feel strong and powerful. Certain things will make the light even brighter like compliments or good deeds. Others might try to dull your sparkle. Most of the time that’s because their own confidenceis weak. Just be a good person and let your light brighten each day.”
“Um, okay. I get it.” But her forehead is creased.
“Don’t believe anyone who says you’re not perfect just the way you are. If people are mean and talk down at you, don’t listen. Or come find me. I’ll deal with them. Remember it’s what’s in here that counts.” I tap the center of her chest.
“I’m gonna keep my light shining super bright so I can be just like you when I grow up.”
My wince is almost painful. “You can aim higher than that.”
Ronnie’s green eyes go round as she gasps. “Oh, I’ve got gifts for you. It will give you more confidence.”
“Gifts? As in multiple?”
She giggles behind her hands. “You’re gonna be so surprised!”
“But I didn’t get you anything.”
Her smile is a genuine burst of happiness that I feel in my dark soul. “You’re staying here with me for always and that’s the bestest present of all.”
Emotion forms a lump in my throat. It spreads to my smokey-shadowed eyes in a fiery stint. I fan at my face rapidly, cursing the flood of tears that never plagued me until this little girl appeared in my life.
“Why are you crying?” Her soft voice only makes the pressure swell.
My shrug is helpless. “I’m not sure. It’s something that happens now.”
“M’kay!” She twirls out of the room.
I’m left alone with my inability to cope for no more than one minute. It’s a blessing until I see what she’s holding. The amount of rhinestones and glitter is blinding. My blurry vision struggles to identify the items she’s holding.
“Wow,” I breathe.
Ronnie rushes toward me. “I made these for you!”
Two dangling objects are thrust entirely too close to my face. The earrings are heart-shaped, as big as her palm, and covered in pink gems. My mouth works soundlessly for several seconds.
“These are… unlike anything I own,” I manage to mumble.
“Put them on!” She gives them a jiggle, showing off their disco-ball quality.
After removing the small black hoops I usually wear in my first holes, I put in the much larger pair. They’re made of plastic and thankfully don’t tug too hard on my lobes.
I turn back to the mirror to inspect them. “Well, look at that,” I croon. “They fit.”
She appears behind me. “There’s a ring too. It matches.”
“That’s too much. How did I get so lucky?” I stick out my index finger for her to put it on.
“I won a bedazzling kit at bingo. We can use it for our crafts!”
“Such a great idea.” I stand and do a slow spin, gesturing at the full ensemble. “What do you think?”
Approval gleams in Ronnie’s expression. “Your confidence is shining super bright.”