Flynn’s Jewelers is on the square in a small town within sight of the Rocky Mountains. It’s located in a cluster of small shops that give the town its unique character. Late one morning, a teenage girl approaches from the sidewalk, focused on the jewelry in the window. She walks from the window to the door. A little bell jingles as she enters.

“Good morning, Mr. Flynn,” the girl calls to the owner, who is standing behind a counter at the rear of the store.

“Why, good morning, Darlene. How’s the family?” Mr. Flynn replies cheerily. Darlene’s family has been coming to Mr. Flynn’s jewelry store since Darlene was a baby.

“Everybody’s fine,” Darlene replies.

“Glad to hear it! Well, what brings you to town today?” says Mr. Flynn.

“I’ve come to spend my birthday money,” Darlene replies.

“Sounds like fun. What do you have your eye on?” asks Mr. Flynn.

“A gold chain like the ones in the window,” Darlene replies.

“Those are real gold,” he says. “Can your birthday money cover that?”

“Sure,” Darlene replies. “My grandparents and my mom and dad all gave me money. They said I can spend it any way I want, so here I am.”

“Well, I’m happy to help,” Mr. Flynn says. “And I have plenty of gold chains. Let’s take a look over here.” He comes out from behind the counter and leads Darlene to a display case on his right. “If you show me the styles you like, I’ll bring them out so you can try them on.”

After looking over the selection, she chooses a few of the chains to try on. Mr. Flynn takes them out one at a time and watches as she drapes each one around her neck. After trying on a few different chains and checking her reflection in the mirror, Darlene nods and smiles.

“This one is just right,” she says. “I like it because it’s not too delicate and not too clunky.” She fastens the chain around her neck again and swivels slightly as she looks at it in the mirror.

“We learned about gold in science class. Is this pure gold?”

“It’s actually 14-karat gold,” Mr. Flynn replies. “That means 14 out of 24 parts are pure gold, and the rest is silver and copper. The other metals make the gold stronger and harder and reduce its cost.”

“It still looks like gold and shines like gold,” Darlene says. “And the price is just right, too. I’ll take it. But don’t bother wrapping it. I want to wear it right now!”

Mr. Flynn removes the price tag, rings up the sale, and wishes Darlene a happy birthday. She thanks him and leaves the store wearing her new gold chain, proud and beaming.