Polina woke up to an empty apartment. Her boyfriend, Oleg, was gone, and with him, her savings and all the jewelry he’d given her. Panic set in as she searched for him, but the silence was overwhelming. Just as she thought things couldn’t get worse, two men with an ominous presence arrived, demanding money for Oleg’s debts. They left her in fear, with a warning to gather more or face dire consequences.

The only valuable left was a ring Oleg had given her. Desperate, Polina took it to a nearby pawn shop, hoping for at least a little money. There, the elderly jeweler examined the ring with a loupe. When he saw the engraving, his face drained of color. He locked the doors, assuring Polina that she was in danger, explaining the symbol on the ring belonged to a dangerous criminal organization.

The jeweler quickly contacted the police, and soon Inspector Sergiu arrived. He warned Polina that the men who’d visited her were low-level enforcers, and if they linked her to Oleg, she’d be in even greater danger. Polina fled to her sister’s house, leaving everything behind, while Oleg was arrested abroad.

Months later, Polina returned to thank the jeweler, realizing that some things, like the truth, are far more valuable than gold.