Inside lay a stunning necklace made of silver metal and clear blue stones. When she held it up, colorful little beams danced across the wall and ceiling. In the large central room on the top floor, the dozens who surrounded her exclaimed with admiration. “You like it?” An Insurgent girl named Naomi leaned forward with an eager smile. “Yes. Thank you.” Esther began to set the object back into its container, but Naomi took it from her and draped it around her throat. Esther had to sit still while it was fastened in place. Then the ones closest to her clustered around, murmuring their envy and approval. One even thrust a mirror close, so that she could see and admire herself. The trinket was indeed beautiful, Esther had to admit. Yet she felt awkward, not only because of the lavishness of the present, but because of the very public way in which it was presented. Partnering was usually a simple and private affair. A boy and a girl, or two people of the same sex, made a personal vow to love and take care of each other, using a strip of cloth to bind their hands together.
