Choice, by Teri Wright

You swallow your first day nerves.
Your eyes scan the display cases,
their contents sparkle enticingly.

You long to smash the glass,
snatch necklaces from their velvet nests,
enjoy the feel of cool metal on your skin.

Your palms begin to sweat,
your fingers fidget,
your heart thumps.

You breathe deeply.
Resist the urge to steal.
For now.