Jack trudged down the street in the glow of the late afternoon sun. He slowed, stopping to take in his surroundings. He didn't have anywhere to be and all his papers were sold. Jack smiled as he watched the people passing him on their way home or perhaps off to do some Christmas shopping. He shook his head. Still no snow. Nonetheless, New York was still beautiful this time of year. Jack strolled past the street vendors, selling anything from apples to crockery. His eyes fell upon a booth selling jewelry. Suddenly Jack found himself a several week's wages shorter.

"Hey, Jack," Racetrack approached his friend. "Jack, what's that?"

Jack looked down at his hands. In them he held a silver choker, shaped into delicate swirls and set with three small pearls. "I..."

Race looked at his friend, very worried. "Jack. Who's it for? Jack! Answer me!"

"It's...It's for...." Jack sighed in defeat. "It's for no one," he said very quietly.

"Oh God, Jack..." Race said sadly, realizing who Jack had purchased the choker for. He shook his head. "Ya know, I prolly shouldn't be tellin' ya dis but Angela's back."

Jack turned to his friend, his eyes wide.

Race sort of shrugged. "It was in da Society page of the paper: �Richard DeLanci Returns ta New Yawk fer Holidays'. I mean, in the paper fer pete's sake," Race smiled wryly then grew serious. "So ya gonna go see �er?"

Jack opened his mouth but no sound came out. Finally he sighed. "No. No. I can't."