The Smallest Diamond

A Tale of True Worth

The sand was littered with diamonds.

The prospector grabbed the biggest he could find, stuffing it into his trouser pockets, smiling from ear to ear.

His son walked by his side, spotting a tiny diamond that glistened like ocean waves.

He picked up that one, smiling quietly.

Later, the prospector took his diamond to the appraiser.

"I'm sorry," said the appraiser. "This is big, but it is heavily bruised and imperfect."

Just then, the son pulled out his tiny diamond.

The appraiser gasped. His eyes sparkled.

"Now this is a rare beauty that deserves the highest reward," he exclaimed.

The boy looked at him.

"But it is not for sale," he replied.

Both the prospector and the appraiser stared at him in disbelief.

A story by Pemba Umoja