Hana's box

Aina is sixteen. She lives with her family in a small flat in Cheras. Her father drives a Grab car, and her mother sells nasi lemak. They are not rich, but they are happy.

Next month there is a big end-of-year dance for Year 11 at a hotel in the city.

Aina's mother makes her a long blue dress. It is nice, but Aina thinks it looks ordinary, not special at all. "The other girls will all wear something new and expensive," she says.

At night she looks at the other girls' photos online. They have beautiful things, and she wants them too. She feels jealous.

Then she has an idea. Her friend Hana lives in a big house in Bangsar. Hana is kind, and she has a lot of jewellery.

On Saturday, Aina visits her. Hana opens a large box full of rings and earrings. Aina gives them a quick glance, only a second. Then she sees it: a necklace of small diamonds. In the light from the window, the stones sparkle like stars.

"It's gorgeous," Aina says. "It's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."

"Then wear it to the dance," says Hana.

"No, I can't. It's too much."

But Hana insists. "Please take it. I want you to have a wonderful night. Just give it back to me after the dance."

Aina holds the necklace in her hands. She does not know it yet, but this necklace is going to change her life.