Diamonds

Amir stood with his gun in its holster. He momentarily held his breath trying to gain control of the situation. Something looked suspicious. A young woman at the door of the jewelry store was entangled with a man. Her bruised legs had red patches on her pale skin. Her wavy blonde highlights were unkempt. She hid her face with delicate strands. Her eyes were dark, as if someone had extinguished cigarettes on her eyelids. She was used to being an ashtray. Life on the streets was rough.

As the security guard, Amir noticed this sad state of affairs. He watched the woman put her hands on the cold glass where the jewelry was displayed. If only she realized she was more precious than gold, she would have the courage to leave this abusive relationship. However, caught up in human trafficking for years, she had lost her sense of self-worth. The fast life was all she could remember.

Amir locked the front door and stood at the entrance. He smelled trouble. He had a hunch the couple was involved in the drug trade. He called the police based on this assumption. If only he knew how long the list of crimes committed by this couple actually was, he would have felt in over his head. Wading through fear, he took a deep breath. Just then, the don pulled out a weapon and attempted to steal diamonds. When he ran for the door, it was locked. They had a standoff. Amir was brave enough to delay their exit until the police arrived. The tension in the air was so thick that you could slice it.

“He attempted burglary. We have it on camera,” Amir informed the police.

The police arrested the couple and did a routine check on their names. It turned out they were identified as part of a drug ring and involved in sex trafficking. Caught, finally!

Amir told his wife about the incident when he reached home that night. She put her hands on his shoulders and massaged his aches and pains.

“You showed great strength today when it was needed most. I’m so proud of you. You’re one of the good guys,” she said as she warmed him up.

Amir emptied his chest of all worries. He was safe. God protected him. He knew he could trust his wife and God. With their love, he could endure most anything. With their love, he could persevere. He was grateful. Night turned into day, and life at work returned to peace and calm. Not every day did he have to play the role of hero. Not every day did he face danger. Most days his gun remained in its holster. Most days were the same. From that moment on, however, he would never be the same. He came face to face with evil and prayed for change.