She had just enough money to buy the chain, twenty-one dollars, and still had eighty-seven cents in change left over. .
Della was overjoyed with the gift she'd bought Jim, however, there was just one thing she was worried about: her, now, short hair. She prayed that he would still find his caring wife to be attractive. He was confused as to why she cut her hair, but still loved her just the same. Little did Della know, Jim had a surprise gift for her, as well. Though Jim was not angry, nor upset, he was somewhat disappointed, as his gift was now useless to Della. His wife unwrapped a package that encased a set of beautiful gemmed combs that she's had her eye on for quite some time. Though she couldn't use the combs until her hair grew out, Della was grateful and cried tears of joy. She was so happy that she almost forgot to give Jim his Christmas gift. In doing so, Jim's reaction was quite unexpected. He just sat down and laughed, then told Della that he had sold his watch to pay for her combs. This wonderful story just proves that money is nothing, compared to the love that two people can share.
Another short story, also involving financial struggle, is known as "The Necklace,"" written by Guy de Maupassant. The main character, Madame Loisel, was a simple woman in a family full of artisans. Her simple life also contributed to the fact that she married a store clerk, even when she felt as though she should be living in luxury. Her endless fantasies of being royal and wealthy only led her to be disappointed and unhappy. Like the previous story, Madame Loisel also lived in a shabby, poor home. What made it even worse was when the wealthy The Minister of Education and Madame Ramponneau had cordially invited her to a fancy banquet, which she could not attend, as she had no jewels or elegant clothing to wear. For that reason, her caring, generous husband gave her four hundred francs to buy a new dress, but she was still not satisfied; Madame Loisel was not going to be happy unless she had some jewelry to go with the dress, so she asked her wealthy friend, Madame Forestier, to borrow a beautiful diamond necklace.
