Hand of Protection

The morning was still cool when Madison wandered into the souk. Copper lanterns, brass candlesticks, and stained glass lamps beckoned, but she was most taken by a silver tree of life pendant.

“It is beautiful, yes?” the vendor asked. “But it is not what you are here for.”

Madison frowned and followed the wiry man to a wall where he pointed to a life-sized ornately hammered silver Hamsa hand.

“It will protect you both.” His wise eyes comforted and yet unnerved Madison.

Her heart pounded. I’m only a few months along. How could he know?

“We’ll take it,” she whispered.