James held the amulet in his lap. While he stared at the ruby gemstone, he could feel the jewelry have an effect on him. He wanted to wear it so badly. It felt like waiting for Christmas Day. Though, it wasn't exactly a unexpected feeling. Earlier, at the market, looking down the same way, he felt the anticipation. Now, in the family van, looking down the same way, he felt the anticipation. However, thanks to his choice at the market earlier, he knew vaguely how to stave off the feeling. He shook his head with some force and refolded the gypsy-patterned cloth over the ruby and the prophetic description that circled the metal ring around it. Immediately, it felt like he had just woken up from a sort of daydream.
He looked to his right to find his sister staring at him. She watched him for a short moment, arm leaning against the window, with a look as if to question his own sanity. Then she sighed and turned her head to watch the changing landscape outside the van. James looked out the window on his side, glancing at the cloth-covered amulet as he did so. The barren road turned into loosely packed concrete, and then concrete solid enough to support the occasional pothole. Likewise, the fields became fields with houses, to just houses, and then houses and buildings. Before long, the van pulled into a familiar motel chain, where James and his family unpacked for the weekend.
"All right," James's father began as he turned the ignition key, "We have the rest of the day. Later in the evening, we've got to meet my sister after the wedding rehearsal to catch up. Go crazy until then." With that, James's family went their separate ways. His parents headed towards the check-in building for the free internet and refreshments. James and his sister made their ways to the room. As they entered, they were greeted by the vaguely smoky smell of the furniture. James sat down on the nearest chair, amulet still in hand.
"I'm gonna go swimming." his sister said, rustling through her drawer. "In Kansas?" James questioned as he finally shoved the amulet back into his pocket. "It's on the inside." she said as she closed the door to the bathroom. James shrugged to himself. It didn't seem warm enough, even inside, to consider swimming. Nevertheless, his sister walked out of the bathroom in her bikini, put on her robe and slip-on shoes, grabbed a card key, and closed the door behind her. After a few moments, James realized he was alone. He stood up and stretched. He enjoyed the feeling of his shoulders and fingers as they crackled. With his arms pulled above his head, he got a good smell of himself.
He let his arms flop to his side. A shower was definitely needed. He usually showered every other day, but hitting the road messed up his schedule. Moreover, he and the whole family left early to catch the morning market. Aware of his odors, James walked to the dresser and fished for some fresher clothing other than the jeans and hoodie that now smelled along with him. With underwear, jeans, and graphic t-shirt in hand, he made his way to the bathroom.
He closed the door behind him and began to undress for a shower. His sister left the light on, leaving the small bathroom illuminated over him. The faucet and toilet were new, but the tiles and counter were distinctly yellowish from water and age. James tried to count the rings the water had left in the sink over the years while trying to take of his old jeans and underwear at the same time. Unfortunately, the underwear failed to clear the foot he had in the air before he tugged up, causing him to stumble off-balance. Eventually, he gave up on his pants and grabbed the old counter to steady himself, which let them fall to ground. With a hard clatter, the amulet hit the ground with its weight, which didn't sound pleasing to his ears. After stabilizing himself, James picked up the denim, fished through the pocket, and pulled the amulet out its protective cloth.
Much to his relief, his new purchase was undamaged, despite the impact. Of course, as soon as the red heart shaped ruby was in his vision, James was once again filled with that odd mix of desire and anticipation. The thought of wearing the amulet entered his mind for a third time. He still wasn't sure why he wanted to, but now he was alone. He had at least an hour before his sister came back, and even longer for his parents. He was naked now though. Would it make sense to wear a single piece of jewelry? James contemplated what to do as he looked at the amulet, his reflection in the mirror, and then the amulets reflection.