Clinquant (adjective): glittering with gold and silver

In the windows, laid countless pieces of shining jewelry. Brilliant sunlight spilled through the glass and glittered off each golden necklace and silvery ring, dazzling the eyes of the girl staring into them.

Her group of friends ooh-ed and ahh-ed at each carefully crafted masterpiece, knowing bitterly that the dollars in their wallets would not be enough, or ever enough, to claim one of the shop’s jewels for themselves. In hushed tones, they debated whether or not they should purchase one together. But if they did, who would wear it? Would they trade off? What would happen if one of them lost it?

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The girl felt empty.

She couldn’t bring herself to join the conversation, only offering sympathetic smiles if one of her friends looked her way.

Those shining jewelries didn’t feel real to her.

Of course, each and every work in the display boasted precious metals and flawless craftsmanship with a breathtaking luminosity and price tag; they were undoubtedly genuine.

Although she stood right next to her friends, huddled in a bundle before the windows, she felt an overwhelming chasm and void between them.