The Million-Dollar Heart

Karen gestured for Donna to unveil the item, and with a flourish, Donna lifted the red velvet cloth, revealing a pair of ivory tusks
on the tray beneath. Donna, with utmost care, placed them before Karen. The tusks, a creamy white, stood elegantly. Karen
picked up one, her gaze fixed upon it. She inspected it closely, her fingers gently caressing its surface. She then brought it to her
nose for a subtle sniff and finally tapped it against the table, producing a faint, resonant sound.
Suddenly, with a swift motion, she hurled the tusk to the floor, where it shattered into two, its pieces scattering.
Donna gasped, her face a mix of shock and anger. "Karen, what are you doing? Do you have any idea how rare these tusks are,
how hard I worked to find them for your appraisal?"
Karen waved her off, her tone soft. "Donna, calm down. The tusk I broke is a counterfeit. I've just examined it closely. There are
four signs to distinguish the authenticity of ivory."
Donna, still fuming, demanded, "Then explain, give me a reason!"
Karen, unruffled, began, "First, genuine ivory should have bloodlines within it. This piece did indeed have bloodlines, but they
were too fresh and red, clearly imitated. Real ivory's bloodlines are more muddied and deepen over time."
"Second, the texture. Running my fingers over this tusk felt slightly rough, not the smooth, almost silky surface you'd expect from
high-quality ivory."
"Third, the absence of natural grain patterns on its surface. Genuine ivory always has distinctive textures."
Donna's anger faded, turning into embarrassment as Karen's reasoned explanation made it clear that the broken tusk was
indeed a fake.
Karen, seeing Donna's change in demeanor, bent down to pick up a piece of the shattered tusk. "Do you understand why I had
to break your tusk now?" Donna shook her head, still puzzled.
"The final test was its density and hardness. High-quality ivory should be tough and durable. The one I broke shattered too
easily, proving its inauthenticity."
With a gentle smile, Karen suggested, "Try the other tusk using the criteria I just demonstrated."
Donna hesitantly took the remaining tusk, examining it through Karen's lens. Her spirits lifted as she found the bloodlines
appropriately muddied, the surface smooth and cool to the touch, resembling fine silk, Excitedly, she noted the presence of

subtle grain patterns and, with a deep breath, tapped it on the table, producing a clear, melodious sound.
The room burst into applause, their initial doubts replaced by admiration for Donna's intent and Karen's expertise.
Flushed with excitement, Donna thanked Karen. "I wanted to gift a genuine piece of ivory to my grandfather for his birthday, as a
token of gratitude for all the years he's nurtured me. Thanks to you, I can now do that."
Karen shrugged off the thanks, emphasizing that learning and applying knowledge was vital for anyone interested in antiques.
As Donna left, satisfied, other guests approached Karen, eager for her guidance on various issues. Karen's adept handling of the
situations only increased the guests' respect for her, acknowledging her as a woman of great intellect and courage, equal to any
challenge.
The evening wound down, and a young boy, dressed smartly in a black suit with red suspenders and sporting a bright red bow
tie, approached Karen. He introduced himself as Danielle, his big eyes full of hope as he asked Karen if she could fulfill his two
simple wishes.
Karen, touched by the young boy's earnestness, listened intently, ready to lend her wisdom to yet another soul, proving her
versatility and compassion.
She rested her chin in her hand, her voice soft and gentle. "But everyone ahead of you only got one wish granted. What makes
you think you're an exception?"