Oftentimes we find ourselves in situations where we quickly jump to conclusions due to external factors. Such as, a misunderstanding, misreading someone or a situation, and even just out of dislike for a person. This story focuses on how quickly someone jumps to a conclusion and how it is hurtful and impactful on others.  

On a lovely Tuesday afternoon, during their second recess friends Junie and Ariel were discussing Junie's recent 7th birthday party.

"Look at the necklace my grandma gave me, she said only the best behaved princesses get one" Junie had said.

"Wow that's super pretty, I wish I had one like that. I'm a well behaved princess too" Ariel responded.

"Maybe for your birthday, your grandma will give you one too!" said Junie

"I hope so" responded Ariel. The girls continued to run around playing tag. They even started talking about what Ariel's birthday party theme was going to be.

"My necklace was the best birthday present ever" stated Junie.

"I hope mines just as beautiful" Ariel replied. 

Some time has passed...

Junie's hand shot up to her neck. 

Her fingers touched skin—bare skin.

That necklace was gone.

Her smile immediately wipes away.

Her chest beating so loudly, it felt like everyone could hear it.

Panic rising, she begins searching. 

Pockets. Empty. Backpack. Empty. Lunch Box. Nothing.

She looks at her surroundings. Still nothing.

She looked around. 

Then she spots Ariel. 

Junie's eyes filled with anger. 

Ariel was all smiles and laughter.

She said she liked it.

She said she wanted one like mine.

No...

Did she take it?

She's my best friend. 

She wouldn't do this to me...would she?

Junie runs over, fist clenched, voice shaking.

"Ariel, you took my necklace?"

Ariel stares at Junie, confused. "What are you talking about?"

"You said you wanted it," Junie yelled. "And suddenly it's gone!"

Other kids turn to listen. The playground fell silent. 

Junie gets some of her friends to help her search for her necklace. 

Ariel sits on the bench, hurt that her friend would think she would steal her necklace. 

Junie’s crew looks high and low. No luck. 

On their way back to class, Junie can’t even stand to look at Ariel. Instead, she looks down at her feet. 

Then, Junie sees something out of the corner of her eye. Underneath the paper towel dispenser in the bathroom. 

A classmate yells, “Junie, your necklace!” Junie runs over to find her necklace. 

“It must have fallen off when I used the restroom during lunch,” Junie thinks.

Junie looks up to find Ariel with tears in her eyes.