We walked down the hallway 
around students and lockers
 
I have a gift for you they said
“it’s for Christmas but it’s early”
 
I had a feeling, sinking in my gut
what was once a normal moment
was now about to change
 
They handed me a bracelet
simple, plain, and black
a silver heart locket 
affixed to the back 
 
still rushing through the hallway
almost late for class 
I brushed my fingers over the beads 
as they sat cold in my hands
 
the locket had their mother’s name
etched with a tiny heart
I knew in that very moment 
what this gift was meant to be 
 
I can’t accept this 
its lovely but I can’t 
I know it means so much to you 
but it’s not the same to me
 
They ripped the bracelet from my hand
quickened their step and ran
 
I called their name 
my heart sank
I lost a friend that day 
with just a simple gift
-b.e.