The Parable of Diamond and Earthworms
A short story about love and materialism
“Why would I pay ten thousand dollars for a diamond ring?” I asked, incredulous.
“Why, a diamond is forever, mister,” the man in the impeccable suit behind the counter explained, “It is also perfectly cut and crafted by a famous Russian diamond craftsman.” He looked at me with a face of smugness as if he was the cutter himself.
“A perfectly cut diamond? Why would I want something that is perfect when we, as humans, are riddled with flaws?”
I looked at Daphne and continued, “It is precisely the imperfections in us that make us perfect, make us real and human.” It was a great paradox, she told me once. She smiled. And that smile has the same intensity of sweetness as the smile she wore on the our very first date — shy but coy.
“I would buy a blemished diamond ring if you have any,” I challenged the man.
He stared at me with a blankness of disbelief. If he hadn’t spoken earlier I would have thought he was a mute.
Without another word, I grabbed Daphne by the hand and left the shop.
I wasn’t sure why we were in that jeweller in the first place, as we sat in the park, bathing in the golden sunset, my hands fiddling with some wildflowers I plucked. She was beside me as she stares off into the setting sun overlooking the lake.
We were sitting in silence, but it wasn’t awkward. We were never awkward together. Just smiling, enjoying each other’s company, talking without actually talking. Until she broke the silence.
“I would marry you even with a ring made of earthworms,” she said, expressionless.
I laughed. She always has these one-line wonders, whenever she speaks. It’s gold.
“Of course you would,” I smirked, “The ring I propose to you with will be something like that — able to decay and give back to the earth, nourish plants that give food to animals. It would be a ring that gives infinitely to life as it cycles — not a cold, dead, carbon rock that is stubborn, lifeless, and of valueless value.
“Love built on capitalism and mindless desire is shit love.”
It was her who fell over with laughter on the grass this time, unable to recover for some time. When she finally did, she turned to me to say something but I stole all the words from her mouth. I was on my knee, a ring made of wildflower stems in my hand.
“Sorry, it’s no earthworm…but will you marry me?” I smiled sheepishly.
She stunned for awhile before realizing what was going on. “Yes, of course I will!” she cried almost inaudibly, her voice cracked so much that it was near voiceless.
Well, what do you know. When she speaks, it’s indeed pure gold to my ears.
Thanks for reading this short story about love and the meaning behind it. It was my first attempt and I hope you liked it! I guess you can say it was inspired by John Green style books, and the commodification of love by profit-driven companies. This article is originally published on Medium, 10 August 2016
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