The young man rolled up his shirt sleeves to begin another day's work. He felt lucky to have a paying job. 60 cents an hour and he was pretty boss at saving. He liked taking his girl places.
He shucked oysters down at Joe's place by the bay. It was a decent gig. Joe was a cool cat and always let him take a few home after his shift.
He was sure fast at shucking so Joe always gave him the hours. Plus, he had an unreal view of the bay. Can't beat a gig with a view like that.
He could hear the gulls screaming, flying near. Smell the saltwater through the open windows.
It was a prime day for the beach. Maybe he'd take his girl out for a swim later.
As he shucked, it became automatic. They slid open with his knife and he tossed the top shell in a pile while arranging the others on a plate with ice.
He was about to signal the water to come grab a finished tray when something caught his eye.
Pulling the tray close, he noticed an iridescent color on one of the half shells. Using his finger, he touched the soft oyster and felt something hard underneath.
He moved the oyster flesh to the side, and there, sitting pretty, were not one, but two pearls.
They were small to be sure but cherry.
Slightly purplish-grey in color, their size was irregular. But that gave them even more beauty.
He picked the pearls out and slid them into his pocket. He knew a guy who could set them, no sweat. His girl could use a nice set of earrings.
He wiped his hands, signaled the waiter, and kept shucking.
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