One Carat

My wife and I once broke up. It was over something trivial.
Even though we were supposed to get married.

We both agreed that the engagement ring should be a diamond.
My wife insisted on wanting a one-carat stone. I understood how she felt.
Indeed, I felt that a one-carat diamond had a certain solid, special weight to it.
However, at the time, I was not very wealthy, and I had already set a budget for the ring.
Even the cheapest one-carat diamond would have exceeded my budget.
I certainly couldn't negotiate prices at a department store.
I decided to be honest and asked the clerk what they had within my budget.

"If you are looking for a one-carat stone, perhaps something like this. Though, sir, the quality is a bit lower."
"If you don't mind it not being exactly one carat, this diamond is 0.95 carats and is of magnificent quality. It comes with a certificate of authenticity, so you can purchase it with peace of mind," they said, taking the recommended item out of the case.
Dazzling beauty—that phrase was not just empty, false words from their mouth. I realized there were still mysterious things in this world I simply hadn't known about. Even such a small existence could instantly illuminate a corner of the universe; how wonderful that is.
I felt dizzy, as if struck by rainbow-colored lightning.
I felt as if someone was secretly calling my name.
She looked a bit displeased and said, let's go look at other shops.

On the way home from the department store, we argued, and we didn't go to any other shops.
After we broke up, I thought a lot about what I had done wrong at that time, but I never reached a conclusion.

By chance, or perhaps fate, we reunited, confirmed our feelings for each other, and went out to buy a ring once again.
At the same shop, we were shown several 0.95-carat diamond rings and chose the one with the best quality.
I believe it was the same diamond from that time.
Perhaps the clerk remembered us, as they offered us their blessings.
She also looked happy as she took the ring in her hand and stared at it intently for a while.

I wanted to give her a gift for our third wedding anniversary, but I still couldn't afford a one-carat diamond.
We decided to meet for dinner that day at a stylish restaurant.
When we sat at the table we had reserved, something was sparkling somewhere.
It was a light of blessing.
Next spring, we will be blessed with a long-awaited child.
I presented my wife with a bouquet of red roses.